Borneo

Sources from old books

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.