Rare Old Pictorial Map of Africa by Liozu, 1951: Decorative Borders, Major Cities & Wildlife

Step into the captivating world of mid-20th century cartography with "Afrique," a stunning pictorial map crafted by the renowned Jacques Liozu in 1951. This map is not merely a geographical representation but a vibrant tapestry that weaves together the diverse cultural, industrial, and natural elements of Africa. Liozu, celebrated for his thematic and pictorial maps, brings to life the continent's rich tapestry through detailed illustrations and annotations, making this map a visual feast for history enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The map of "Afrique" stands out with its elaborate decorative title cartouche and borders, which frame the continent in a manner that is both artistic and informative. Each country and region is meticulously depicted, showcasing major cities, industries, agriculture, and wildlife. The map is adorned with a decorative compass rose, oriented with the north to the upper right margin, adding a touch of classic cartographic elegance. The relief is shown pictorially, offering a three-dimensional feel that enhances the viewer's connection to the landscape.

Liozu's map is a treasure trove of information, highlighting the geopolitical and cultural landscape of Africa in the early 1950s. It captures the essence of a continent on the brink of significant change, reflecting both colonial influences and emerging post-colonial identities. The mapmaker's keen eye for detail is evident in the annotations that indicate major industries and agricultural products, providing a snapshot of the economic activities that shaped the lives of millions.

The design and style of "Afrique" are a testament to Liozu's artistic prowess and his ability to blend cartography with illustration. The map features vibrant colors and intricate illustrations of local wildlife and agricultural activities, making it not just a tool for navigation but a piece of art. The decorative borders, featuring flags of various countries, add an extra layer of historical context, reminding viewers of the international influences and connections that have shaped Africa's history.

Among the notable features on this map are the detailed illustrations of the Atlas and Ruwenzori mountain ranges, the depiction of major bodies of water such as the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Red Sea, and the various sea routes that connect major port cities. These elements, combined with the map's rich annotations and decorative elements, make "Afrique" a unique and valuable addition to any collection, offering a window into the past and a deeper understanding of Africa's diverse and dynamic heritage.

Countries and regions on this map

• Countries:
• Morocco
• Algeria
• Tunisia
• Libya
• Egypt
• Sudan
• Ethiopia
• Somalia
• Kenya
• Uganda
• Tanzania
• Mozambique
• Madagascar
• South Africa
• Namibia
• Botswana
• Zimbabwe
• Zambia
• Angola
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Republic of the Congo
• Gabon
• Cameroon
• Nigeria
• Ghana
• Côte d'Ivoire
• Liberia
• Sierra Leone
• Guinea
• Senegal
• Mali
• Mauritania
• Niger
• Chad

• Central African Republic

• Regions:

• Sahara Desert
• Sahel
• Horn of Africa
• East Africa
• West Africa
• Central Africa
• Southern Africa

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps or additional illustrations:
• Decorative title cartouche with illustrations of African wildlife and flora
• Decorative compass rose with north oriented to the upper right margin
• Bodies of water:
• Mediterranean Sea
• Atlantic Ocean
• Indian Ocean
• Red Sea
• Mountain ranges:
• Atlas Mountains
• Ruwenzori Mountains
• Sea, road, and rail routes:
• Various sea routes are depicted, particularly around major port cities
• Other interesting features:
• Illustrations of local wildlife and agricultural activities
• Annotations indicating major industries and agricultural products
• Decorative borders featuring flags of various countries

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Afrique
• Date created: 1951
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Jacques Liozu
• Jacques Liozu was known for creating thematic and pictorial maps
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Countries and regions
• Major cities
• Industries and agriculture
• Wildlife
• Design or style of the map:
• Pictorial and thematic style
• Decorative borders and cartouche
• Illustrative representation of geographical and cultural elements
• Historical significance or context:
• The map reflects the geopolitical and cultural understanding of Africa in the early 1950s
• It offers insights into the colonial and post-colonial perspectives of the time

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.