African Coast Collection

A man rides a donkey in one of the narrow streets of Lamu town. In the absence of vehicles, which are banned in the island

A Caravel
3330654 A Caravel; (add.info.: Engraving print of a Caravel, a small, highly manoeuvrable sailing ship developed in the 15th Century by the Portuguese to explore along the West African coast)

A Caravel
3330649 A Caravel; (add.info.: Woodblock print of a Caravel, a small, highly manoeuvrable sailing ship developed in the 15th Century by the Portuguese to explore along the West African coast)

A Caravel, 15th century (print)
3330728 A Caravel, 15th century (print); (add.info.: Woodblock print of a Caravel, a small, highly manoeuvrable sailing ship developed in the 15th Century by the Portuguese to explore along the West)

Elephant-Hunting at Berbera, on the African Coast of the Gulf of Aden (engraving)
1595240 Elephant-Hunting at Berbera, on the African Coast of the Gulf of Aden (engraving) by Forestier, Amedee (1854-1930) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Elephant-Hunting at Berbera)

U. S. Marines Capture the Barbary pirate fortress at Derna, Tripoli
PNP270216 U.S. Marines Capture the Barbary pirate fortress at Derna, Tripoli, 27th April 1805 (w/c on paper) by Waterhouse, C.H

Celebrating the Queens Birthday at Gibraltar (engraving)
1062550 Celebrating the Queens Birthday at Gibraltar (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Celebrating the Queens Birthday at Gibraltar)

A view over makuti thatched roofs to the estuary that divides Lamu Island from uninhabited Manda Island, which has no permanent source of sweet groundwater

A man embroiders Swahili hats, which are popular with Muslims on Lamu Island and elsewhere. It takes hours of patience and great skill to make a really fine hat

A mashua sails out of the sheltered, natural harbour of Lamu Island. Dhow is the colloquial word used by most visitors for the wooden sailing ships of the East African coast although in reality a

A fine example of the interior of a traditional Swahili house in Lamu Town. The extraordinary skill of the local craftsmen is an important legacy of Afro-Arab architecture in the Swahili style

A fine example of decorative Lamu plasterwork gracing the interior wall of an old stone house. The extraordinary skill of these craftsmen is an important legacy of Afro-Arab architecture in

The beautiful, crystal-clear Mer d Emeraude (Emerald Sea) lies just off the Malagasy coast between Andavakonko and Suarez Island, northeast of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)

A weathervane in the shape of a whale on a house overlooking Walker Bay

The eyes of a Lamu woman wearing a traditional black Islamic dress and face veil (known locally as buibui). Situated 150 miles north-northeast of Mombasa, Lamu town dates from the 15th century AD

Lamu women are expert in intricate hand and body designs using henna and other dyes. Here, a woman with finely decorated hands

A skilled craftsman with traditional tools carves a wooden door from hardwood in Lamu town. Wood carving is the most important craft in Lamu and sustains the greatest number of skilled craftsmen

A Swahili man in traditional attire blows the Siwa on the battlements of the Lamu Museum. This unique and hugely heavy ritual horn was used before the 19th century in Pate

West Africa, from Atlas de Toutes les Parties Connues du Globe Terrestre
KW205851 West Africa, from Atlas de Toutes les Parties Connues du Globe Terrestre by Guillaume Raynal (1713-96) published Geneva, 1780 (coloured engraving) by Bonne

North Africa, including the Kingdoms of Tripoli, Tunis, Alger; Fez and Morocco
KW205840 North Africa, including the Kingdoms of Tripoli, Tunis, Alger; Fez and Morocco, from Atlas de Toutes les Parties Connues du Globe Terrestre by Guillaume Raynal (1713-96) published Geneva

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Exploring the Enchanting African Coast: A Journey Through Time and Culture As the sun sets over Lamu town, a man gracefully rides a donkey through its narrow streets, immersing himself in the rich history of this coastal gem. Witnessing an engraving from centuries ago, we glimpse into the thrilling world of elephant-hunting at Berbera on the African Coast of the Gulf of Aden – a testament to human resilience and adventure. U. S. Marines triumphantly capture Derna's Barbary pirate fortress on Tripoli's African Coast, reminding us of the bravery that has shaped these shores throughout history. Captain Bartholomew Roberts commands two majestic ships, sailing along Africa's coast aboard his Royal Fortune – an emblematic figure who once roamed these waters with audacity and ambition. Celebrating Queen's Birthday at Gibraltar brings together cultures from across continents as they revel in unity amidst stunning coastal vistas – a true testament to diversity and harmony. Gazing upon makuti thatched roofs against an estuary backdrop offers a picturesque view that encapsulates both tranquility and vibrant life along Africa's captivating coastline. With nimble fingers embroidering Swahili hats, a skilled craftsman preserves traditions passed down through generations - showcasing Africa's rich cultural heritage one stitch at a time. The mashua sails gracefully out of Lamu Island's natural harbor, embracing both tradition and progress as it navigates these ancient waters with grace and purpose. Step inside a traditional Swahili home adorned with intricate designs - every corner tells stories woven by ancestors who cherished their connection to this magnificent coastline. Behold nature’s masterpiece as Walker Bay overlooks its azure depths while being guarded by an awe-inspiring whale-shaped weathervane atop one lucky house - where land meets sea in perfect harmony.