Map of Polynesia, 1851

Details

Description

John Tallis & Company was a London-based map publisher that flourished during the 19th century. Their maps, characterized by elaborate … Read more John Tallis & Company was a London-based map publisher that flourished during the 19th century. Their maps, characterized by elaborate borders and decorative vignettes, are some of the last examples of large-scale decorative cartography before the trend moved towards more utilitarian and scientific mapping. The Tallis map of Polynesia is a fine example of their work. It would likely depict the many islands spread across the central and southern Pacific Ocean, an area often referred to as Polynesia. The map probably emphasizes not only the geography but also the cultural and natural history of the region through its detailed vignettes. Robert Montgomery Martin's involvement would suggest that the map contains explanatory text providing context about the British presence and interests in the region, reflecting the broader imperial narrative of the time. The countries and territories within Polynesia would include a wide range of island groups, many of which had significant cultural ties but were colonially influenced by different European powers, including the British. Strategic locations for trade and military outposts would be highlighted. The Tallis series of maps are important historical documents that capture a world in transition, showing how the British saw their empire and its global context. These maps remain valuable for their rich artistic detail and as artifacts of the Victorian era's cultural and political milieu. The images on the map in more detail: The images in the insets of the Tallis map of Polynesia seem to depict various cultural and natural scenes relevant to the region, emphasizing the beauty and uniqueness of the places and the people who inhabit them.

1. **Resolution Bay, Marquesas**: This inset likely depicts a scene from Resolution Bay in the Marquesas Islands. It shows a traditional boat with what appears to be a group of local Polynesians in traditional attire navigating the waters with a mountainous backdrop, indicative of the volcanic origins of many islands in the region. 2. **Otahiete (Tahiti)**: Featuring traditional Polynesian canoes with a distinctive sail, possibly in the waters of Tahiti, known locally as Otahiti. This might capture a moment of daily life or transport methods, with thatched structures on the water's edge and the lush, mountainous landscapes that are characteristic of the island. 3. **Harbour of Dory, New Guinea**: This scene likely illustrates a harbor in New Guinea, with more rudimentary and utilitarian canoes shown. The background may show a European vessel, indicating contact or trade with outsiders, set against a vista of the rugged, densely vegetated coastline. 4. **Kalakakooa, Sandwich Islands (Hawaii)**: The image probably shows Kalakakooa (Kealakekua Bay) on the Island of Hawaii, also known as the Sandwich Islands at that time. It was famous for being the place where British explorer Captain James Cook was killed in 1779. This depiction emphasizes the interaction between the local people and European explorers or traders. These detailed engravings are typical of the Tallis style, aiming to provide not only geographical information but also a sense of the life, environment, and interactions taking place in the depicted regions. They also reflect the European interest in and romanticization of "exotic" locales during the era of colonial expansion. See less