Indonesia, Moluccas, Buru, F. Valentijn, 1724, Boeroe

Large copper engraving with a detailed map of Buru in the Moluccas, Indonesia. The inset map shows the lake in the mountains in detail.

Buru or Boeroe is a (still) heavily forested island in the Indonesian archipelago of the Moluccas (province of Moluccas). It is 9505 km² in size and the highest point is 2428 m. It lies west of Seram, from which it is separated by the Manipa Strait. It was not until 1915 that the island was explicitly brought under Dutch authority, administratively classified and the KPM maintained a boat service with Ambon, other islands in the Moluccas and Makassar. Until well into the 20th century, the island was otherwise little developed.

Published in the book by F. Valentijn: ´Oud en Nieuw Oost-Indien, vervattende een naaukeurige enbreide verhandelinge van Nederlands machttheyd in die gewesten, (...). 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, containing transcriptions and copies of important earlier Dutch documents. travels.

Excellent condition. Folds as published.

Image 29.5x38cm, sheet 32.5x52.5cm