Early picture of New World people

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Early picture of New World people

First picture of people of the New World. Taken from a woodcut published in Augsburg, Germany, around the turn of the sixteenth century, this is the first depiction of the indigenous Americans. An inscription for the image stated that Americans " eat each other, become 150 years old and have no government". Published in A Book of Discovery (1912) by M.B. Synge

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Media ID 6452949

© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

1400s 1500s 15th Century 16th Century America Anthropological Anthropology Bows Native Native American Natives New World Tool Weapon Wood Cut Augsburg Indigenous Person

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back in time to the early days of exploration and discovery in the New World. A woodcut published in Augsburg, Germany during the turn of the sixteenth century, it offers a rare glimpse into the lives of indigenous Americans. This remarkable illustration is believed to be the first-ever depiction of these native people. The image portrays a group of individuals who are armed with bows, showcasing their resourcefulness and skill as hunters. It serves as a testament to their ingenuity and adaptability in an environment that was both unfamiliar and challenging. Accompanying this intriguing artwork is an inscription that sheds light on contemporary European perceptions of these New World inhabitants. It states that they "eat each other, become 150 years old and have no government". While undoubtedly reflecting biased views prevalent at that time, this inscription also highlights the stark contrast between European civilization and indigenous cultures. Published over four centuries later in M. B. Synge's A Book of Discovery (1912), this historic woodcut continues to fascinate anthropologists, historians, and art enthusiasts alike. It provides valuable insights into early encounters between different civilizations while reminding us of our shared human history. Thanks to Science Photo Library for preserving this invaluable piece of anthropological artistry for generations to come.

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