1849 King Circular Pictorial Ethnographic Map of the World

This is an Anglo-centric 1849 Edward King circular pictorial ethnographic map of the world - here in its only known example. With Queen Victoria and Prince Albert at center, the peoples of world surround them, forming a globe. Individuals from a multitude of cultures are illustrated dancing, praying, hunting, ranching, fighting, and otherwise engaging with life. It should be pointed out that cultural and racial stereotypes are propagated throughout, but identification of individual ethnic and cultural groups is difficult as none of the illustrations are labeled. On the left side one finds what may be an Indian maharaja riding on the back of an elephant not far from a snake charmer and people smoking a hookah. An Asian temple appears near the elephant, in front of which sits an emperor being hailed by one of his subjects. Further along are British soldiers. At the top of the page one of course finds the Arctic, populated by reindeer and people riding in sledges. The majority of the rest of the globe is filled with people wearing traditional dress and homes.

Publication History and Census

This map was published by Edward King in 1849. We have located advertisements for what we believe to be another similar piece, entitled The Microcosm; Or, the World at One View. These advertisements state that the object is four feet in circumference, which correlates to the size of the object on offer. We have been unable to locate any other known examples of either piece. We have also been unable to trade the author, King, beyong said advertisement.