Mazovia, according to Kolberg, is a large piece of land which he divided into the following Mazovia Field, Mazovia Forest, Old-Kurpie Mazovia and Old-Podlachia Mazovia. This is how he characterized the inhabitants of these areas:

“The Masurians have their dwellings on both sides of the Vistula river (in the middle reaches of the river), the Narew river and on the lower reaches of the Bug river. Apart from that, they have many settlements in Podlachia and Ruthenia. They are one of the most prominent and brave groups of the Polish people. The etymology of their name is explained in various ways. For sure, the name Masurian, in general, refers to a man of heavy build, who is brave and lively, but who is, at the same, a little bit retarded, uncouth and noisy when in company”.