Defining Otherness in Medieval Maps, Session at 51st International Congress on Medieval Studies, Kalamazoo, MI, May 12–15, 2016

Medieval maps – from mappaemundi to elaborately decorated nautical charts – provide abundant and rich evidence for the ways in which European cartographers viewed, framed and represented other peoples. This panel seeks papers that bring new materials and new insights to this field of study. We hope for papers exploring depictions of otherness, including foreigners and monsters, on medieval maps that have not been examined from this point of view before, perhaps including depictions of Europeans on Islamic maps. We certainly welcome papers that challenge current views and / or that bring new critical or theoretical perspectives to bear on the medieval mapping of otherness.

Papers are expected to be amply illustrated with high-quality images of the maps discussed.

Organizers
Chet Van Duzer
Laura Whatley