North America

Map dedicated to Anthony Hammond; plate 6 from Senex's "Modern Geography." This map, locating many North and Central Indian tribes, features cartouche images symbolizing the union of the Americas and Europe: two figures flanking each side of the cartouche were copied from an earlier 1703 Deslisle map. The male figure on the left represents Europe, while the two female figures personify the Americas. The standard Brazilian feather headdress adorns the center top of the framing device. A scowling Europe, seen pointing toward America, stands atop a winged dragon and below a banner decorated with three fleur-de-lis. He holds in his hand a European-style bow. The club directly above the fleur-de-lis banner represents the weapon used by Hercules (the classical symbol of Europe) to attack the Nemean lion. America, here illustrated with an alligator at her feet, was at first exhibited with armadillos or iguanas. The alligator ultimately became the animal displayed with personifications, usually female, of South and North America. The upper right figure holds in her hand a baldachin. This umbrella-like ornament symbolized status, rank, or nobility, and was often included in European depictions of America's indigenous peoples. It is likely that the small animal at the bottom right, is an opossum.