1887 Geological Map of South Africa by Edward Dunn

The 1887 Geological Sketch Map of South Africa, compiled by Edward John Dunn, is a landmark early attempt to depict the geological structure of southern Africa at a continental scale. Printed as a coloured lithograph, it outlines the main geological formations — granitic, sedimentary, volcanic, and metamorphic — across the Cape Colony, Natal, the Boer republics, and Bechuanaland. Rather than a detailed survey, it presents a clear visual synthesis of the region’s broad rock systems and their relationship to topography, rivers, and known mineral deposits. Of particular significance are the marked locations of the Kimberley diamond fields and the Witwatersrand gold region, discoveries that had recently transformed South Africa’s economy. Published during the early stages of the Mineral Revolution, Dunn’s map combined scientific geology with practical resource mapping, offering investors, administrators, and miners an empirical framework for understanding the continent’s substructure. As one of the first serious geological overviews of South Africa, it bridged field observation and imperial enterprise, anticipating the formal geological surveys that would follow in the early 20th century.

This map is a reproduction of a historical map that is now in the public domain. It has been selected for its aesthetic appeal and historical interest and carefully restored and reproduced to preserve its original detail and character.  There may be marks and fold lines visible which add to the authentic look.  The map is printed on 230gsm heavyweight coated paper with a matte finish.  Most old maps were printed on uncoated rag or wood pulp papers and therefore a matte finish best represents the original map.