Khoikhoi Court Scene, Southern Africa, Antique Engraving, circa 1820

About this sheet

This antique engraving shows a Khoikhoi court scene in southern Africa, an early nineteenth century print published in London by Thomas Kelly, circa 1820. The plate carries the historical title "Hottentots trying a criminal", using the name by which European writers of the period referred to the Khoikhoi people of the Cape region; the term is now recognised as offensive and is quoted here only as the lettering printed on the plate.

The engraving depicts a circle of seated men holding council in a village of domed huts, with an accused man before them and a European figure standing to one side as an observer. A goat, palm trees and a distant range of mountains complete the setting. Scenes of this kind were drawn from the accounts of travellers at the Cape of Good Hope, and they reflect both genuine curiosity about Khoikhoi customs of justice and the colonial outlook of the time, which is part of the historical interest of the image today.

The imprint reads "London, Published by Thomas Kelly, 17, Paternoster Row" without a date. Kelly issued popular geographies, voyages and histories in weekly parts from the 1810s onwards, each illustrated with small engraved plates, and this view comes from that output; the particular book is not named on the sheet. The engraver is not identified. It is a line engraving in black and is uncoloured.

This southern African engraving would suit a collection of early prints of Africa and the Cape, or a study of how British publishers presented African societies to their readers. It frames well in a small format for a study or library.

The sheet is in good condition for its age, with toning and light soiling and staining confined to the margins; the engraved scene itself is clean and clear.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed. Any framed or interior images are shown for presentation and inspiration only, unless the listing explicitly states that the item is sold framed.