Antique Print-ORDINATION-CARIBBEAN PRIEST-DEVIL-TRIBE-Creite-Fiteau-1731

Original etching/engraving on a verge type handlaid paper. on paper.

Size in cm: The overall size is ca. 16.5 x 25 cm. The image size is ca. 15 x 20 cm. Size in inch: The overall size is ca. 6.5 x 9.8 inch. The image size is ca. 5.9 x 7.9 inch.

Antique print, number 15. It shows: the final stage in the ordination of a Carribean priest. A man on the left kneels in a hut in which three hammocks. In one of the hammocks a woman, in the other a devil, the third empty. Above the hut another devil. Several villagers on the right. This print originates from ‘De Zeden der Wilden van Amerika’ (The Customs of the American Savages) by J.F. la Fiteau, published ‘s-Gravenhage: Gerard van der Poel, 1731. This is the first Dutch edition of the work originally published in French (‘Moeurs des Sauvages Ameriquains’, 1724). This work deals with the mythology of America (compared to Western and Egyptian mythologies). Ref: Backer-Sommervogel . IV, column 1362, Sabin 38598. Artists and Engravers: The frontispiece of the originating work is signed E.L. Creite. All other images are unsigned, but assumed to be by the same artist. Engraver: Ernst Ludiwg Creite (1728-1765) was a German printmaker. He received his training in Braunschweig, but worked in The Hague his entire career. Author: Joseph-Francois Lafitau (Bordeaux 1681-1746) was a French Jesuit missionary, ethnologist and naturalist. He is best known for his discovery of ginseng, and his work on the Iroquois. He is praised for his use of the comparative method of scientific field anthropology.

Condition: Good, given age. Right margin discoloured. Little paper loss in right margin, not affecting image, restored and backed with acid free tape. General age related toning and occasional light staining from handling as visible on image. Please study scan carefully.

Keywords: ANTIQUE PRINT-ORDINATION-CARIBBEAN PRIEST-DEVIL-TRIBE-CREITE-FITEAU

(PCO) C263-09