NO RESERVE, "[How the Indians Declare War on Their Enemy] Wie sie Einander Absagen", Bry, Theodore de

Subject: Florida, Natives
Period: 1591 (circa)
Publication: Grands Voyages, Part II
Color: Black & White
Size: 6.1 x 8.7

This copper engraving is from a remarkable series of publications, illustrating voyages of discovery and travels of exploration to various parts of the world. The project was begun by Theodore de Bry of Frankfurt, in 1590 and was to continue for another 54 years. They became known collectively as the Grands Voyages (to America and the West Indies) and the Petits Voyages (to the Orient and the East Indies). De Bry died after the first six parts of the Grands Voyages were completed. The project was completed initially by his widow and two sons, Johann Theodore de Bry and Johann Israel de Bry, then by his son-in-law, Matthaus Merian in 1644.

This view depicts how the Timucua Indians would declare war. Instead of sending a messenger to announce their intentions, tribesmen would put arrows with small locks of hair into the ground along the path to the opposition's village. On a sheet of German text measuring 9.3 x 13.1".
Condition: B+
There is light toning, scattered foxing, and marginal soiling at lower right.