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Scenes from the islands of West Africa, 1820
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Scenes from the islands of West Africa, 1820
Christopher Columbus in the Azores looking toward America 28, birds in the Canary Islands 29, and Napoleon Bonapartes prison Longwood House on St. Helena 30. Handcoloured copperplate engraving from Rev. Isaac Taylors Scenes in Africa for the Amusement and Instruction of Little Tarry-at-Home Travelers, Harris and Son, London, 1820
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Media ID 23391510
© Florilegius
1820 Amusement Benin Blood Bones Courtier Dahomey Exercises Grave Guards Guinea Instruction Isaac Offer Predecessor Skull Tarry Taylor
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This handcoloured copperplate engraving, titled 'Scenes in Africa for the Amusement and Instruction of Little Tarry-at-Home Travelers,' showcases three distinct scenes from the islands of West Africa during the early 19th century. The first scene depicts Christopher Columbus gazing towards America from the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. Columbus, famously believed to have discovered America in 1492, is shown here in his later years, reflecting on his historic voyage. The second scene transports us to the Canary Islands, a Spanish territory off the northwest coast of Africa. Here, a flock of exotic birds takes flight against a backdrop of lush greenery and rocky cliffs. The Canary Islands were a popular stopover for European explorers and traders, and their unique wildlife was a source of fascination. The third and most intriguing scene unfolds in the Kingdom of Dahomey, now modern-day Benin. We witness a courtier offering a drink from a human skull to a female attendee, while a king looks on approvingly. This grisly ritual was part of the blood offerings made to the gods in the kingdom's infamous human sacrifice cult. The scene underscores the rich and complex history of West Africa, a world far removed from the everyday experiences of the 'little tarry-at-home travelers' for whom this publication was intended. This engraving, produced by Rev. Isaac Taylor and published by Harris and Son in London in 1820, offers a glimpse into the diverse and intriguing world of West Africa during a time of significant exploration and discovery. The meticulously handcoloured illustrations bring the scenes to life, inviting us to explore the history and culture of these distant lands.
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