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This rare early engraving portrays a Sumatran nobleman or chief standing prominently in the center, dressed in elaborate Turkish-style clothing, a common European interpretation of exotic attire at the time. He wears a large turban and a long robe, both symbols of status and power. In his right hand, he holds what appears to be a betel leaf, referencing the widespread Southeast Asian custom of betel chewing.
To his left, an attendant holds a large parasol, a mark of high rank in many Southeast Asian cultures. To the right, another noble figure, similarly dressed, stands beside a group of attendants or bodyguards, who are carrying spears. Two female attendants stand behind them, carrying a tray, possibly with betel nuts or another offering.
The background contains a map-like inset featuring Sumatra, Java, and the Sunda Strait, an important trade route connecting the Indian Ocean to the Pacific. A European ship is shown off the coast, emphasizing Dutch maritime exploration and interaction with Sumatra. A palm tree labeled "Cocos" appears on the right, reinforcing the tropical setting.
The German text below the engraving describes an event on July 13, in which a chief from Sumatra visited a Dutch yacht (small ship). It notes that he was dressed in Turkish-style clothing and brought a gift of betel leaves (used with lime, a common practice in betel nut chewing). His expression is described as serious and dignified, but he treated the European visitors with friendliness and great respect. The text translates as follows:
"On the 13th of July, the chief from the island of Sumatra came to our yacht to inspect it. He was dressed in Turkish clothing and brought us a gift of betel leaves, which they constantly chew with lime in their mouths. He had a very serious and stern appearance. However, he later behaved in a friendly manner towards us and showed us great reverence."
The work of Levinus Hulsius was part of a larger series of illustrated travel accounts documenting European exploration and trade in Asia. The Dutch were expanding their influence in the Spice Trade, particularly through the Dutch East India Company (VOC), and encounters with local rulers were crucial to securing alliances and trading privileges.
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