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This 1998 Silicon Valley map, conceived as an abstract pictorial and calendar, intriguingly illustrates the southern Bay Area using a unique sand-rendered image. It was produced by Amen International, Inc., under the "The Original Silicon Valley Map & Calendar" division, showcasing the innovation and corporate landscape of the era. George O'Hanlon's design and Benjamin Litho's printing, along with other collaborators, contributed to its distinctive presentation.

The late 1990s marked a pivotal era in the evolution of Silicon Valley. During this period, the area witnessed exponential growth in the technology sector, with a surge in start-ups and established tech companies. This map captures this dynamic environment, offering a snapshot of the region's business landscape at a crucial point in the digital revolution. Featuring labels for numerous notable companies, including Oracle, Sun Microsystems, and Intel, it reflects the burgeoning diversity and density of tech enterprises in the area.

The artistic approach of using sand to render the map is a creative metaphor for the foundational and shifting nature of the technology industry, suggesting both the permanence and the fluidity of the sector's evolution, and perhaps most obviously, the creation of silicon from sand. Each labeled business, from SaRonix to AMDA, represents a unique story of innovation and advancement, making the map a historical document of technological progress. The inclusion of smaller and lesser-known companies alongside giants like Oracle and Intel provides a comprehensive overview of the ecosystem during this transformative period.

As a historical artifact, the map is not only a visual representation of the geography of Silicon Valley but also a testament to the area's role as a cradle of technological innovation. For historians, technologists, and enthusiasts alike, it serves as an important reference point to understand the rapid development of the tech industry at the turn of the 21st century. Its design and execution make it an interesting piece for collectors and scholars interested in the history of technology and its spatial manifestations.