Men and women of Malacca and Java

This drawing depicts the people of Malacca (Malaysia) and Java, which he describes in pages 24-26 of the Itinerario. The drawings show details of both male and female dress styles. With their simpler clothing, the Javanese couple looks less sophisticated. This reflects Linschoten’s view that the Malaccans were more refined than the Javanese.

The text under the image on the left reads: “Inhabitants of Malacca which in language, fine manners and charm surpass all other Indians”. The text under the right image reads: “An islander from Java whose people are stubborn and obstinate.”