Indonesia, Moluccas, Seram Valentijn / Ottens, 1724, Nieuw Lissabatta / Rarackit / Keffing / Roemakay / Kamarien / Caybobo

Folio-sized copper engraving (33x61cm or 12.9x23.8 inch), engraved by F. Ottens, with six panoramic views from the sea of places on the islands of Ambon and Ceram, Moluccas, Indonesia. The engraving shows:

1. Lisabata on the north coast of Seram
2. Rarakit was a settlement in Eastern Seram, outside the sphere of influence of the VOC in the 17th century. The VOC considered Rarakit, along with several other settlements in Eastern Seram, to pirates’ nests, serving as both a refuge for clove smugglers and a staging area for possible raids on the Banda islands. The VOC attacked and destroyed Rarakit in 1649.
3. Keffing is an islet off the southeast coast of Seram Island in the Moluccas.
4. Roemahkay is a village on the south coast of Seram Island

5. The village of Kamarian is located on the south coast of West Seram and east side of Piru Bay
6. Kaibobo was one of the most important trade posts on the south coast of West-Ceram. Unlike most of Ambon, the inhabitants of Kaibobo converted to Christianity in a short period.

The views show the various towns and forests as seen from the ocean. Each view shows multiple European and local ships, alongside numerous buildings and high, imposing mountains.

Seram (formerly spelled Ceram; also Seran or Serang) is the largest and main island of Maluku province of Indonesia, despite Ambon Island's historical importance. It is located just north of the smaller Ambon Island and a few other adjacent islands, such as Saparua, Haruku, Nusa Laut and the Banda Islands.

Published in the book by F. Valentijn: ´Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indien, containing an accurate and extensive treatise of Dutch power in those regions, (...). Second part, description of Amboina, (...), [incl.] Ambon affairs. Dordrecht, etc. J. van Braam and G. onder de Linden, 1724.´

Francois Valentijn was a prominent historian of the Dutch East India Company. He travelled to the East Indies twice and served as a Calvinist minister on Ambon between 1686 and 1694. In preparing this monumental work, he was given privileged access to the previously secret archives of the Dutch East India Company, which contained transcripts and copies of important earlier Dutch documents. travels.

Excellent condition. Folds as published.

Image 44.5x56cm, sheet 33x61cm