VASCO DA GAMA PILLAR IN MALINDI

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aukepalmhof
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VASCO DA GAMA PILLAR IN MALINDI

Post by aukepalmhof » Tue Apr 10, 2018 8:46 pm

Kenia issued in 1989 a set of five stamps which show monuments in Kenia of which two stamps depict a dhow see: http://www.shipstamps.co.uk/forum/viewt ... nia#p14118

The 3s40 shows also a pillar placed by Vasco da Gama’s crew in Malindi of which I found on the internet:
The pillar is one of the oldest remaining symbolic Portuguese monuments in Africa. Built in 1499 by Vasco Da Gama, the great Portuguese explorer, the pillar was a sign of appreciation for the welcome he received from the Sultan of Malindi. Da Gama was said to build this pillar everywhere he visited. The cross sign on the pillar was tested and found to be made of Lisbon limestone, proving that it is the original cross, placed at Malindi in 1499.
According to recorded history, it was in July 1497 that Vasco Da Gama, with a fleet of four vessels the SAO GABRIEL, SAO RAFAEL, BETRIO and a 200 Ton store ship sailed from Lisbon, Portugal. He had three interpreters – 2 Arabs and one speaker of several languages. On April 7th, the expedition reached Mombasa and on the 13th anchored at Malindi where he established amicable relations with the Sheikh of Malindi, Ahmed Bin Majid. On 20th May, 1498 Da Gama returned to Calcutta India after 23 days at sea.
On his return voyage the fleet made again a call at Malindi, were he arrived on the 07 January 1499, after a passage of 132 days and many of his crew died of scurvy at sea. Da Gama decided to burn down SAO RAFAEL. As a mark of discovery, he created a Padro (Pillar) at the Sheikh’s house made of Libson limestone and bearing the Portugal coat of arms.
In view of the Odium, it was removed and re-erected. When Malindi became Portuguese Northern Headquarters in 1512, the Padro was not mentioned by the Portuguese travelers in mid-16th century. It may have fallen down and then re-erected again with its cone shaped support before the Portuguese moved to Fort Jesus, Mombasa in 1593.

http://afrotourism.com/attraction/vasco-dagama-pillars/

The 5s50 stamp depict Fort Jesus in Mombasa see:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Jesus

Kenyia 1989 3s40 and 5s50 sg 492 and 494, scott 482 and 484.
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