Johann Matthias (Matyhias) Hase (Haas, Haase) (anglicised as Johannes Hasius) (14 January 1684 – 24 September 1742) was a German mathematician, astronomer, and cartographer.

Biography

Hase taught at Leipzig and his native Augsburg. In 1720, he became professor of mathematics at the University of Wittenberg. Hase made maps for the publishing firm of Homännische Erben ("Homännis' Heirs"), such as the following: Hase died in Wittenberg. The crater Hase on the moon is named after him.

Allegories

Hase's primary contribution to the Africa map was adding a cultural explanation through allegorical cartoons, though his role may have been more significant in other maps. On the Africa map, he included a large allegorical scene in the lower corner depicting a finely dressed woman in clothing resembling modern-day attire. The men are shown in servant's clothes, African ruler's garb, or European traders' outfits. Notably, the indigenous African ruler sits on a human used as a stool. The allegory also includes lions, other animals, and elements of life on the continent, similar to the Asia map's allegory.