Imaginative geographies: Cosmography and cartography in pre-modern Southeast Asia
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(Published version)
Date
2010
Authors
Nichols, J.
Editors
Chapman, M.
Ostwald, M.
Ostwald, M.
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Conference paper
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Proceedings of 27th International SAHANZ Conference, 2010 / Chapman, M., Ostwald, M. (ed./s), pp.1-17
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Imagining 27th International SAHANZ Conference (30 Jun 2010 - 2 Jul 2010 : Newcastle, Australia)
Abstract
What is the nature of mapped space? Is it real or imagined? Is it a representation of pure space and geography or an intertwined complexity of space and time? What does cartographic portrayal of urban space reveal about people’s understanding of, and interaction with, place? In “Maps and History,”Jeremy Black provides insights relevant to these questions by drawing attention to a critical shift in spatial representation during the European Enlightenment. Notions of time, he argues, were under review then and there emerged a desire for time to relate to place. Time was contested as being more than purely a scientific phenomenon of the earth’s rotation, but was also considered a psychological experience reflecting spatial imaginings of the world.
This paper investigates two Southeast Asian cosmographical mappings: the Traiphum and Angkor Wat Temple and draws upon Black’s insights to explore how concepts of time and place contribute to the imaginings of the Southeast Asian city. It focuses on pre-modern Southeast Asia cartographic practices to reveal the many holistic variations on spatial imaginings within its mapping genre. It shows how historical maps were used as a medium to represent a seemingly disparate yet complex set of information, both technical and experiential in nature, and how the mapped relationship of time to place presents complex matrices to interpret and understand past built environments.The paper traces some of the inconsistencies and ambiguities of the mapping process in premodern Southeast Asian and European context, in order to reveal imaginings that enable us to see inherent complexities, generalities and assumptions of mapping practices past and present.
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Copyright 2010 The Author