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Description

The Map of the North Polar Regions to illustrate the Paper on The Origin & Migrations of the Esquimaux Greenland by Edward Weller was published for the Journal of the Royal Geographical Society in London in 1865. Authored to complement C. R. Markham's exploration into the origins and migrations of the Esquimaux, this map distinctly marks places where Esquimaux remains were discovered, serving as a critical visual aid to understand the geographical distribution and migratory patterns of this indigenous population.

The mid-19th century was a period of robust exploration and scientific inquiry into the Arctic regions. At the heart of these explorations was a fascination with the indigenous peoples inhabiting these remote lands. Clements R. Markham, a noted geographer, was among those who undertook the task of unraveling the historical and cultural background of the Esquimaux (Inuit). His research aimed to shed light on their migratory habits, origins, and the way they adapted to the harsh Arctic environment.

Weller's map, a carefully crafted visual representation, supports Markham's paper by providing a geographical framework. The locations where Esquimaux remains were found are underlined in red, allowing a spatial understanding of the distribution and movement of these Arctic peoples. This illustrative approach exemplifies the fusion of geography and anthropology during this era, where maps became vital tools in visualizing complex human patterns and histories.

The publication of the map by the prestigious Royal Geographical Society underscores its significance within the academic community of the time. It was not merely a supplementary figure but a substantial contribution to the field of geography and ethnography. The collaboration between Weller and Markham serves as a reminder of the interdisciplinary nature of 19th-century scientific exploration, where the intertwining of geography, history, and anthropology produced comprehensive insights.

In summary, Edward Weller's Map of the North Polar Regions to illustrate the Paper on The Origin & Migrations of the Esquimaux Greenland is a historically valuable artifact that contributes to understanding the indigenous populations of the Arctic. Through its precise cartography and the collaboration with C. R. Markham's research, it provides a vivid geographical context to the Esquimaux's migrations and existence, reflecting the intellectual curiosity and methodological rigor of 19th-century exploration and study.

Condition Description
Original hand-color in outline.