--- Begin Forwarded Message ---
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2002 09:47:04 -0000
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: RE: Oldest Map of Africa <fwd>
Sender: [log in to unmask]


Hi, HelenJane (from a wet London)!

Good to read that you're alert to things other than AACCCM!  An ongoing
discussion over this (alleged) map of Africa has started already on
'MapHist' [[log in to unmask]].

1) Prof. David Woodward, e.g., commented yesterday:-

"Further to Kirsten's message, compare this detail with the well known
Kangnido (1402 but a later copy) reproduced on the cover of Volume 2,
Book 2 of the History of Cartography. It's a very similar
representation."


2) Henny Savenije (i.e. Lee Hae Kang, a Korean) offers this:-

"You can find two copies on
http://www.hendrick-hamel.henny-savenije.pe.kr/Korean_Map.htm"


3)  Mark Brown (Australia) opines:-

"Based on Henny's map.  I am not convinced that the continent on the far
left of the map is supposed to represent the whole of Africa. I think it is
only showing the part opposite the red sea.  Perhaps the large lake is the
Nile in annual flood. Just my nieve [i.e. naïve - F.H.] thoughts."


4) To which Henny's response of this morning was:-

"The country on the right is clearly Korea and way big. Actually this is a
Korean map probably based on a Chinese map. If Korea is so overpresented
why wouldn't the countries farther and farther away be underpresented?"

Henny


I shall not detain subscribers to 'MAPS-L' any longer; this is merely to
draw their attention to a discussion of this 'new' piece of the history of
cartography on 'MapHist'

Sincerely
Francis [Herbert] (Curator of Maps, RGS-IBG)
[log in to unmask]
http://www.rgs.org [see 'Collections'/'Unlocking the Archives']


-----Original Message-----
From: Johnnie Sutherland [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 12 November 2002 21:09
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Oldest Map of Africa <fwd>

--- Begin Forwarded Message ---
Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2002 13:34:40 -0500
From: HelenJane Armstrong <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Oldest Map of Africa
Sender: HelenJane Armstrong <[log in to unmask]>



The BBCNEWS on-line for Tuesday November 12, 2002 had an article entitled
"Africa's Oldest Map Unveiled."  If you have not heard about the map you may
find the short article interesting.  The introduction states:

The oldest map of the African continent, dating back to 1389, has gone on
display in Cape Town.
It is part of an exhibition drawing attention to the history of South Africa
and the way it is perceived around the world.

The Chinese map, covering more than 17 square metres, was produced in silk.
It is thought to be a copy of a map sculpted into rock 20 or 30 years
earlier.

It is never been shown to the public before anywhere in the world, and the
South African government was given special permission to take a full size
facsimile of the delicate historical artwork.

The website contains a color reproduction of the map.  The web address is:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/2446907.stm

It will be interesting to see if reproductions of the map will be sold.  I
look forward to hearing discussions about the map.
Helen

HelenJane Armstrong PHD
Head, Map & Imagery Library
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611



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