1712 Wells Map of Africa

This is a beautiful 1712 map of Africa by Edward Wells of Oxford. It covers the continent of Africa from an early 18th century perspective. The overall composition stresses the fact that, while the coasts of Africa had been well mapped since the late 17th century, very little was known of the interior. A lack of true knowledge did nothing to prevent cartographers of the period from speculating on the interior.

Convention from the 15th century onward mapped the sources of the White Nile on the Ptolemaic model incorporating two great inland lakes, Zaire and Zaflan, at the base of a mountain range known as the 'Mountains of the Moon' (here unidentified). Wells has retained both lakes prominently, even noting islands within. These lakes continued to appear in less and less cohesive form throughout the 18th century until they merged with the factual lakes Malawi and Victoria in 19th century.

In southern Africa to large empires are named, Monoemugi and Monomotapa. This is the great southern African gold mining region and these names are likely taken from the names of prominent Congolese tribal rulers.

A large title cartouche is included in the bottom left of the map featuring the coat of arms of the Duke of Gloucester. This, like many other Wells maps, is dedicated to Prince William, Duke of Gloucester and son of Queen Anne, who, when this map was being prepared, was a student at Oxford. Published by T. Bonwicke for the 1712 edition of Edward Wells' Atlas, A New Sett of Maps both of Ancient and Present Geography.