The world map drawn by Frenchman Pierre Desceliers in 1550 is an excellent tool for understanding how Europeans viewed Africa in the 16th century. While they had a very vague vision of the continent's interior, thanks to maritime trade, they had precise knowledge of its coasts. The importance of trade between the two continents contributed to the enrichment of the material culture of the European readings at a time when the fashion for curiosity cabinets was developing. Everyday objects, Sapi-Portuguese ivories and precious textiles from the Congo kingdom were particularly prized, although they were appreciated more for their virtuoso craftsmanship than for their geographical origin.
11:00 - 12:00
