Collection: Osher Map Library Collection

Name: Congo Nova Descriptio

Barcode: 54229

Image Number: 54229.0001

Creator: Thiriar, James, 1889-1965

Publishing Location: Brussels

Notes: James Thiriar was a Belgian illustrator, draughtsman, painter and costume designer.

Brief Description: Pictorial map of the Democratic Republic of the Congo then known as the Belgian Congo. A former colony of Belgium, it was established by King Leopold II of Belgium in 1885 as the Congo Free State. It became his personal colony operating as a corporate state, exploiting the rubber industry while privately controlled by Leopold and his private force known as the Force Publique. The humanitarian abuse of the native Congolese was exposed and by 1908 Leopold's personal rule ended and it became the Belgian Congo. It wasn't until 1960 independence was declared and it became the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Map is meant to capitalize on Belgian interests in the Congo and to convey a positive view of Belgium's role there. Illustrations include traditional Congolese costumes and art, music, ethnic groups and a bilingual French and Dutch legend. Native tribes appear throughout the colony with red letters marking their names.

Date/Date Range Produced: 1950

Language: DutchFrench

Region Depicted: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Map Type: GeographicalHistorical mapsPictorial maps

Dimensions: 105 x 74 cm

LC Call Number: G8650 1950.T4

OCLC: 1184673089

Permanent URL: https://oshermaps.org/map/54229.0001