Von der Grossen Herrn in Virginia Begrabnuss

Frankfort: Johann Wechel, 1590. paperback. Text engraving. Sheet measures 12 1/2" x 8 3/4"

Early text sheet in German describing the burial rites of indigenous peoples of present-day North Carolina. This print was published in 1590, in "Wunderbarliche, doch Warhafftige Erklaerung, von der Gelegenheit und Sitten der Wilden in Virginia, welche newlich von den Engellaendern" the First German Edition of Thomas Hariot's "A Brief and True Report of the New Found Land in Virginia". In the Latin edition, the title reads "Regulorum Sepulchra", and in English "The Tombs of the Werovvans or Chieff Lords." The text details the rituals and practices for (truncated) internment of their chiefs, referred to as weroance in Algonquin. Features a stylized initial letter, and ornamental engraving below text.

Thomas Hariot was a member of the first English colony in America at Roanoke Island. His narrative describes its establishment and failed efforts to sustain it. His description of Virginia and North Carolina is the first written description published in English of those areas. The impressive account is illustrated with engravings by Theodor De Bry, after paintings done by John White. John White was lieutenant-governor of the Roanoke Colony. He painted the North Carolina Indians with an accurate emphasis on their customs, dress, manners, and dwellings. De Bry's famous series of plates of American Indians are one of the most important from that period. (Inventory #: 303271)