Rare Old Monochrome Map of Africa by Speed, 1676: Showing Traditional People & Attire

Step into the world of 17th-century exploration with "Africae," a captivating map crafted by the renowned English cartographer John Speed in 1676. This exquisite piece is part of Speed's illustrious atlas, "A Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World," which showcases the grandeur and mystery of Africa as perceived by European explorers of the time. Speed's work is celebrated for its meticulous detail and artistic flair, making this map not only a geographical guide but also a window into the historical narratives and imaginations of the era.

The map is a testament to the themes and topics that fascinated early modern Europe, illustrating the political and physical landscapes of Africa with remarkable precision. It captures the vastness of the continent, from the Mediterranean Sea in the north to the mysterious realms of the "Aethiopian Ocean" in the south. The map also hints at the rich cultural tapestry of Africa, with depictions of local attire and scenes of daily life along its margins, offering a glimpse into the diverse societies that thrived across the continent.

John Speed's artistry shines through in the map's design, where relief is shown by delicate sketches, and the seas are populated with majestic ships, symbolizing the age of exploration and maritime adventure. The decorative elements, including illustrations of people and animals, add a layer of visual intrigue, inviting viewers to ponder the interplay between geography and culture. The map's style reflects the cartographic conventions of the time, blending scientific inquiry with artistic expression.

Historically, this map holds significant value as it encapsulates the European perspective of Africa during a period of burgeoning global exploration. It serves as a historical document that reveals the extent of knowledge and misconceptions about the African continent in the 17th century. As part of one of the most important English language atlases of its time, "Africae" offers insights into the geopolitical interests and colonial ambitions that shaped the world.

Owning this map is akin to possessing a piece of history, a relic from an era when the world was still being charted and understood. It is a perfect addition for collectors and enthusiasts of historical cartography, offering both aesthetic pleasure and intellectual enrichment. "Africae" is more than a map; it is a narrative of discovery, a testament to the enduring allure of exploration, and a tribute to the cartographers who dared to capture the world in ink and paper.

Countries and regions on this map

• Africa: Entire continent depicted
• Arabia: Part of Asia shown on the map

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset Illustrations:
• Illustrations of people in traditional attire along the margins
• Scenes depicting local life and animals
• Bodies of Water:
• The Mediterranean Sea
• The Indian Sea
• The Aethiopian Ocean
• The East Ocean
• Mountain Ranges:
• Several mountain ranges indicated by sketches
• Other Features:
• Ships depicted in the oceans
• Descriptive annotations about regions

Historical and design context

• Creation Date: 1676
• Mapmaker/Publisher: John Speed; published by Bassett & Chiswell
• Design/Style:
• Relief shown by sketches
• Decorative elements such as illustrations of people and animals
• Historical Significance:
• Represents 17th-century European perspectives and knowledge of Africa
• Part of one of the most important English language atlases of the 17th century

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.