The land of pygmies and monsters - glimpses from the Arctic map collection at UiT

Abstract

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the very first Arctic explorations took place. The maps from that age not only express the mathematical and scientific knowledge of the time, they are also artistic artefacts with a rich symbolic language. Maps are often adorned with illustrations of indigenous peoples, exotic animals and mythological creatures, reflecting the mystique surrounding the Arctic.