Borneo

Sources from old books

1638. The merchants mappe of commerce wherein by Lewes Roberts.

Of BORNEO Iland, and the Trade thereof.

THe next Iland in this Tract is Borneo, and is equally divided by the equinoctiall into two parts, putting as it were a bond betweene the dominions of the King of Borneo on the Northside, and of Laus on the South, in compasse accounted above 2200 miles, and held the greatest of all this ocean.

The Countrey doth yeeld in great abundance, the wood which we call Camphora; also that wood knowne by the Portugalls by the name of Polad' aguila; and also that costly sweet wood which is called Callamba, which being good is weighed against silver and gold: also here is found some gold, diamonds, nutmegs, maces, agarick, and other spices; and great abundance of that excellent antidote, which in Europe is called the Besar stone.

It is plentifully stored with many faire Townes and harbours, as Cabura, Taioparra, Tamorutas and Borneo, the Metropolis and most magnificent above all the rest, containing 25 thousand Inhabitants, and seated in a Marish of the Sea, after the manner of Venice. Also Socodana, where many diamonds are found, and where the English some yeeres past had a factory and residence, as also the same in Beniermasa, another good Port in this Iland.

I have not met with the coins currant here in payment for merchandize, nor yet with the weights and measures in use in this Iland; therefore must referre the same to the better experienced, and to the traders thither.

1652. Cosmographie in four bookes by Peter Heylyn.

WEst of these Celebes, lieth BORNEO, of more note and greatness, than any hitherto described in these Indian Seas. In compass after their accompt who speak most sparingly, 2200 miles; but as some say no less than three moneths sayl about. Situate under the Aequator, which parteth the dominions of the King of Borneo, and the King of Laus: opposite on the North, to Camboia; on the South, to Java; on the East, to Celebes; on the West, unto the Isle of Sumatra.

The Countrey said to be provided naturally of all things necessary; yet said withall to be unfurnished of Asses, Oxen, herds of Cattell, except only horses, and those but of small stature neither: the greatest riches of it being Camphire, Ag•trick, and some mines of Adamants. Erroneously conceived by Mercator to be the Insula bonae Fortunae spoken of by Ptolomy; that being seated opposite to the out-lets of Ganges, in the Latitude of a hundred fourty five Degrees, and fifteen minutes; this Eastward some Degrees of the Golden Chersonese, and consequently twenty degrees Distant at the least from that Iland in Ptolomy.

The people generally more white than the rest of the Indians, of good wits, and approved integrity, though all Mahometans or Gentiles. Divided betwixt two Kings, and two Religions; the King of Borneo and his Subjects being all Mahometans; those of Laus still remaining in their antient Gentilisim. These think the Sun and Moon to be man and wife, and the Stars their children; ascribing to each of them divine honours, to the Sun especially, whom they salute at his first rising with great Reverence, saying certain verses. Their publicke businesses are treated of commonly in the night, at which time the Counsellers of State meet, and ascend some tree, viewing the Heavens till the Moon rise, and then go to the Senate-house. The same Apparell generally of both Religions; but thin, by reason of the great heat of the Air, a shirt of Silk, or of Calicut, or some such slight stuff, worn more for modesty than for warmth.

Chief Towns hereof, 1. Borneo, situate in the North-west part of the Iland neer a goodly bay, but in the middle of the Fens like the City of Venice; and seated as that is, on Piles, the building sumptuous, of hewed stone, covered with the leaves of the Co••-tree. The Town so large as to contain 25000 Houses in the smallest reckoning, the principal of all the Iland, which takes name from hence. 2. Cabura. 3. Taiaopura. 4. Tamaoratas. 5. Malano; all of them noted for fair Cities, or commodious Havens. 6. Sagadana, a Factory of English. 7. Lavi, on a large Bay in the South-East part of the Iland, the ordinary Seat of the King of Laus. 8. Paro, on another capacious Bay, not farre from Lavi, and directly opposite to Borneo: that being seated on the North-west, and this on the South-East of the Iland. Betwixt these two Kings is the whole divided; but so that he of Borneo hath the greatest part of it, and therefore keeps the greater State: not to be spoken with but by the mouth of some of his own Interpreters; and in his Palace served by no other Attendants than Maids or Women.