View of the houses in the Panama City slum. - 1977

Impression from the shanty town of Colón at the mouth of the Panama Canal on the Atlantic side. - 1977

Two boys hawking their coconuts - Las Lajas on the Pacific Ocean. - 1977

This elaborate necklace is made by the Guaymí Indians who live in the northwest of Panama. - 1977

These two Indio girls from the village of Alto Caballero in the northwest of Panama belong to the Guaymí people. - 1977

Houses of the Guaymí village Alto Caballero in the Tolé district in northwest Panama. - 1977

A Cuna woman washing on a flat wooden trough. - 1977

Making large clay vessels near Choluteca in Honduras. - 1977

School is out. The little girl Yola from Puerto Cortés in Honduras is on her way home. His umbrella protects against both the rain and the sun. - 1977

A picturesque street in the village of Cojutepeque in the department of Cuscatlán in El Salvador. - 1977

An Indian woman from the village of Panchimalco, located in the centre of El Salvador. - 1977

Aerial view of the volcano San Pedro at Lake Atitlán with the villages San Pedro La Laguna and San Juan La Laguna. - 1977

Mosaic of fields on approach to the airport of Quezaltenango, Guatemala. - 1977

This Mayan woman waits patiently on a bench in San Cristóbal in the department of Alta Verapaz. - 1977

The votive offerings are placed on the steps of the Church of the Calvary. They burn pieces of copal and pray to their gods. - 1977

A Mayan Quiché woman on the steps of the Church of the Calvary. She prays to her gods. - 1977

In the past, you had to cross the Río Dulce at the outflow of Lake Izabal by ferry, but today there is a bridge there. - 1977

On the way to Tikal, an ancient Mayan city in the rainforests of Petén in northern Guatemala. Today the road is asphalted. - 1977

This elaborate necklace is made by the Guaymí Indians who live in the northwest of Panama. - 1977

View of the famous Lake Ilopango in EI Salvador. Some geologists believe that the lake is in an ancient crater. Such formations are not uncommon in Central America. Some of these lakes are very deep. The body of water is fed by seeping water and by rainfall, which is very frequent between May and December. Lake Ilopango is dominated by the Chichantepec or San Vicente volcano, which is 2181 meters high. Its water is rich in fish and a lush and diverse flora thrives on its banks. This makes it the ideal destination for the residents of the noisy and overpopulated capital San Salvador. In this area, which is of overwhelming beauty, the townspeople find peace and relaxation. But various leisure activities are also open to them. You can sail, swim, hunt and hike. - 1977

A Maya Quiché woman in traditional costume kneels on the steps of the church dedicated to Santo Tomás in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. This temple is a revered place for indigenous people who meet there, mainly on Thursdays and Sundays, market days, to pay emotional homage to their gods. The clergy has long accepted this use of the church for a purpose that has nothing in common with the Catholic ritual. The prayers in the Indian language follow one another. During the ceremony, the natives burn copal, light candles and spread flower petals. The rite is led by a chiman or indigenous priest who has turned his village church into a veritable sanctuary of the Mayan religion. The nave is divided into three sectors. In the first, located near the communion table, the chiman invokes the great figures of his country. In the central part, he addresses the God of the World. The third sector, near the main door, is less specific than the first two. Here the Indian priest can pray to any deity. - 1977

This Indio girl from the village of Alto Caballero in the northwest of Panama belongs to the Guaymí people. - 1977

The Fuego volcano is the site of almost permanent activity. It dominates La Antigua, the former capital of Guatemala, which suffered a tragic fate. In Central America, volcanoes are one of the most characteristic elements of the landscape. They range in altitude from 1,000 to 4,000 metres and form an almost unbroken chain that stretches from northern Panama to the border between Guatemala and Mexico. Most of them are extinct. Others have sporadic revivals of extremely variable duration. Still others, like Fuego, are constantly active. Their eruptions, accompanied by lava flows and explosions, are a threat to the inhabitants of the region that cannot be underestimated. - 1977

View of the houses in the Panama City slum. - 1977

From Cerro Verde you can see the lzalco volcano in the western region of EI Salvador, not far from the Pacific coast. It is 1935 metres high and dominates an extensive area with the most fertile coffee plantations in the country. For centuries, the glowing volcano could serve as a lighthouse for sailors. He's been quiet for a few years now - how long? - 1977

The lrazú volcano near San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is 3432 metres high. It has several crater openings, one of which forms a lake that shines in amazing colours. Numerous fissures have opened up at the summit, from which clouds of gas constantly escape, attracting many tourists. A road leads visitors near the summit. - 1977

View into the crater of the famous Santiago volcano near Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. The cone shows lively activity, which manifests itself in lava flows, bubbling fiery masses and clouds of smoke. All of these phenomena are accompanied by explosions, which, unlike the tourists, can hardly be impressed by the residents. - 1977

This Indio girl from the village of Alto Caballero in the northwest of Panama belongs to the Guaymí people. - 1977

The volcano Mombacho dominates the Great Lake Nicaragua (or Lake Cocibolca). It is a freshwater lake and with an area of 8264 km² it is the largest in Central America. It has more than 400 islets, three islands and two volcanoes. It is also the only place that hosts freshwater sharks. - 1977

The coati or pizote is one of the best represented mammals of the fauna of the lowland and tropical regions of Central America. It is an extremely friendly animal that the natives like to keep at home. A real clown of the forest, it amuses people with its games and facetiousness, accompanied by its characteristic high-pitched cries. - 1977

The ornithological fauna of Central America comprises twenty-two orders and eighty-six families. It is undoubtedly one of the richest in the world and has long been the prestige of the republics of the sub-continent. A multitude of birds appear among the designs that adorn pottery and codices from pre-Columbian times. Unfortunately, we know almost nothing about the exact significance of these animals in the religious life of the ancient inhabitants of the region. The same is true of the jabira, which is the largest stork in the world, a splendid bird represented in this document. - 1977

On a small island belonging to the Panamanian archipelago of San Blas, a Cuna boy plays with his dog. - 1977

Two Cuna women preparing their food. Here bananas are being pounded to a pulp in a wooden mortar. - 1977

One of the best represented birds in the ornithological fauna of the Central American republics is a member of the large parrot family, known in the region as the Macaw. These magnificent animals have always attracted human attention. They owe this prestige to the extreme beauty and variety of colours of their plumage. In pre-Columbian times, the Indians used these feathers to make real mosaics. Each feather was carefully attached to a cotton fabric and formed part of complex compositions. Feathers were also used to make ornamental objects such as necklaces and often large headdresses that were worn by priests and members of the nobility during religious ceremonies celebrated with great pomp by all members of the community. - 1977

In the harbour of Puerto Limón in Costa Rica. Columbus landed in this bay on his 4th voyage to America. - 1977

One of the two locks at Miraflores on the Panama Canal. You can see an Ecuadorian ship from Guayaquil. The manoeuvre from one lock to the other takes about an hour. The operation requires about 100 000 tonnes of water. Each lock gate is nine metres high and weighs 750 tonnes. The ship is pulled on both banks by 50-tonne tractors - they are called mulas (mules). The tractors are equipped with 75 HP electric motors. The Panama Canal measures 82 kilometres and covers an area of 250 square kilometres. It usually takes six to eight hours to navigate. This waterway was opened in 1914. Since the opening of the extension, which began in 2007, on 26 June 2016, ships with 14,000 TEU can pass through it. To date, more than one million ships of all types from all over the world have used it. - 1977

The two locks at Miraflores on the Panama Canal. The manoeuvre from one lock to the other takes about an hour. The process requires about 100 000 tonnes of water. Each lock gate is nine metres high and weighs 750 tonnes. The Panama Canal measures 82 kilometres and covers an area of 250 square kilometres. It usually takes six to eight hours to navigate. This waterway was opened in 1914. Since the opening of the extension, which began in 2007, on 26 June 2016, ships with 14,000 TEU can pass through it. To date, more than one million ships of all types from all over the world have used it. - 1977

Leaving the lock at Miraflores on the Panama Canal. The manoeuvre from one lock to the other takes about an hour. The process requires about 100 000 tonnes of water. Each lock gate is nine metres high and weighs 750 tonnes. The Panama Canal measures 82 kilometres and covers an area of 250 square kilometres. It usually takes six to eight hours to navigate. This waterway was opened in 1914. Since the opening of the extension, which began in 2007, on 26 June 2016, ships with 14,000 TEU can pass through it. To date, more than one million ships of all types from all over the world have used it. - 1977

Dusk in Panama City. The birds, whose name is Chanjame, take up their night quarters on the wires. The picture was taken at 5:45 pm. - 1977

Panama, capital of the republic of the same name, knows a gratifying development, which it owes above all to the Panama Canal. It occupies an exceptional position in the world, as it is a crossroads between the northern and southern hemispheres and between the Orient and the Occident. This explains why, in addition to the indigenous people (Indians, blacks, mulattos, mestizos and whites), one encounters representatives of the most diverse peoples of the world in the streets of the city. Over the last few years, Panama has become a commercial centre and tourist destination that has taken on considerable importance. The modern neighbourhoods are dominated by skyscrapers, which serve as homes for the privileged classes and as hotels for wealthy tourists. The climate that prevails in this part of Central America throughout the year is rather unhealthy because of the high temperatures and enormous humidity. Thunderstorms of incredible ferocity follow each other closely, especially in the rainy season. - 1977

The city of Colón on the Caribbean side of the Panama Canal. - 1977

In the shanty town of Colón at the mouth of the Panama Canal on the Atlantic side. The wooden houses of the old neighbourhoods are mainly inhabited by black people. They come mainly from Colombia and some Caribbean islands and have retained many of the customs of their people. Most of these people work in the Panama Canal Zone. - 1977

Facade of an old warehouse in the city of Colón at the mouth of the Panama Canal on the Atlantic side. - 1977

Panama, capital of the republic of the same name, knows a gratifying development, which it owes above all to the Panama Canal. It occupies an exceptional position in the world, as it is a crossroads between the northern and southern hemispheres and between the Orient and the Occident. This explains why, in addition to the indigenous people (Indians, blacks, mulattos, mestizos and whites), one encounters representatives of the most diverse peoples of the world in the streets of the city. Over the last few years, Panama has become a commercial centre and tourist destination that has taken on considerable importance. The modern neighbourhoods are dominated by skyscrapers, which serve as homes for the privileged classes and as hotels for wealthy tourists. The climate that prevails in this part of Central America throughout the year is rather unhealthy because of the high temperatures and enormous humidity. Thunderstorms of incredible ferocity follow each other closely, especially in the rainy season. - 1977

Old wooden house in the shanty town of Colón at the mouth of the Panama Canal on the Atlantic side. This old neighbourhood is mainly inhabited by black people, mainly from Colombia and some Caribbean islands, who have retained many of the customs of their people. Most of these people work in the Panama Canal Zone. - 1977

On the beach of a small island that belongs to the Panamanian archipelago of San Blas. The archipelago stretches over a length of 350 kilometres not far from the Atlantic coast. It consists of 365 islands and islets of various sizes that rise only a few metres above sea level. 48 islands are inhabited. They have curious names like Nalunega, Kortbiski or Cauwualla. The tides are insignificant here. Each island, even the smallest, has rich vegetation. - 1977

The charming little island of Cauwualla belongs to the Panamanian archipelago of San Blas. This archipelago extends over a length of 350 kilo meters at a short distance from the Atlantic coastline. It is made up of three hundred and sixty-five islands and islets of varying sizes that rise only a few metres above sea level. It must be said that the tides are insignificant here. Each island, even the smallest, is covered with rich vegetation. In the shade of the palm and coconut trees there are a few houses where the Cuna Indians live. These natives originate from the nearby continent. They migrated to the islands of the archipelago and gradually occupied them. In the course of time, the Cuna became skilled fishermen, but they continued to practice agriculture, as they have fields of crops on the mainland. As in the past, they also hunt the wild animals that live in the depths of the tropical jungle. - 1977

On the beach of a small island that belongs to the Panamanian archipelago of San Blas. The archipelago stretches over a length of 350 kilometres not far from the Atlantic coast. It consists of 365 islands and islets of various sizes that rise only a few metres above sea level. 48 islands are inhabited. They have curious names like Nalunega, Kortbiski or Cauwualla. The tides are insignificant here. Each island, even the smallest, has rich vegetation. - 1977

A young Cuna woman shows a colourful and richly decorated mola, the main product of Cuna women's handicrafts. The patterns usually depict people, mythological animals and geometric figures. All the images are symbolic and closely related to the extensive religion of the inhabitants of the San Blas archipelago. The mola is composed of several pieces of fabric carefully sewn together. - 1977

These Cuna women chat at the entrance to their house, where they are protected from the sun's rays. The Indian women love jewellery. Apart from the small gold-plated nose ring, they also wear tight-fitting bands of coral beads on their arms and ankles. On the wall of the house hang various coloured and richly decorated molas, the main product of the Cuna women's handicrafts. In the society of their matriarchal group, women play a considerable role. The onset of puberty of the daughters, for example, is an important event and the occasion for a lively celebration in which all members of the community participate. The puberty of the boys, on the other hand, takes place without any fuss. The young husband lives in his wife's house and has to help his parents-in-law. - 1977

Young Cuna Indian girl from the San Blas archipelago wearing a small gold ring on her nose. These indigenous people form an ethnic group of about twenty-five thousand people. They are a very homogeneous group whose representatives are extremely proud of their culture, whether it be language, customs or beliefs. This does not prevent the Cuna, who are highly intelligent, from being attentive to everything that is happening in the world. Many of them work outside as teachers, doctors, lawyers or artists. Each Cuna community is headed by a chief, who reports to one of the three main caciques of the region. The responsibilities of the latter extend to all the representatives of the ethnic group. A daily meeting of the members of the community allows everyone to speak and express their opinions and judgements on the most diverse problems that the natives have to face. A more democratic system of government could not be imagined!

Young Cuna Indian woman from the San Blas archipelago. She wears a small gold ring on her nose. These indigenous people form a nation of about 25 000 people. They are a very unified group whose members are exceptionally proud of their culture, language, customs and beliefs. Each Cuna community has a leader, who in turn is under the command of one of the three main caciques of the region. The responsibility of the caciques encompasses the entire ethnic community. The daily meeting of the members of the community allows everyone to speak, present their views and express their opinions on the various issues facing the indigenous people. A more democratic system of government could not be imagined! - 1977

The Cuna woman is engaged in the manufacture of her clothing, namely the well-known cotton blouse (mola). She works under a tree or at the entrance of her home, sheltered from the sun. The Indian woman likes to cover herself with ornaments. She wears a small golden metal ring on her nose. On her arms and ankles she wears tightly fitted bracelets made of coral beads. While her husband fishes, hunts or works in one of the crop fields he owns on the mainland, the Cuna woman stays at home and performs a multitude of domestic tasks. She plays a considerable role in the society of her clan, which has a matriarchal structure. Thus, the puberty of girls is a very important event and is the pretext for a lively celebration in which all members of the community participate; in contrast, the puberty of boys goes unnoticed. It is also the case that the young husband will live in his wife's home, having to assist his parents-in-law in all circumstances. - 1977

A young Cuna woman shows a colourful and richly decorated mola, the main product of Cuna women's handicrafts. The patterns usually depict people, mythological animals and geometric figures. All the images are symbolic and closely related to the extensive religion of the inhabitants of the San Blas archipelago. The mola is composed of several pieces of fabric carefully sewn together. - 1977

On the journey between the small islands of the Panamanian archipelago of San Blas. This extends over a length of 350 kilometres not far from the Atlantic coast. It consists of 365 islands and islets of various sizes that rise only a few metres above sea level. 48 islands are inhabited. They have curious names like Nalunega, Kortbiski or Cauwualla. The tides are insignificant here. Each island, even the smallest, has rich vegetation. - 1977

The coffee harvest takes place at different times of the year in most of the Central American republics. Coffee trees are one of the main natural resources of the countries of the subcontinent. Drying of the beans takes place immediately after the harvest of the precious commodity. This operation is carried out in an ingenio (factory) established on the slopes of the mountain, in all regions where coffee trees are particularly well represented. - 1977

Breeding of cows imported from Brazil (Brahman hybriden) in the hacienda La Pacífica, Guanacaste province, Costa Rica. Large domesticated animals first appeared in Central America at the time of the conquest, in the 16th century. Generally speaking, it can be said that these animals acclimatised well to geographical and climatic conditions that were very different from those they had experienced in Europe. It is true that on the high plateaus of the mountainous region livestock farming is fraught with difficulties, already because of the altitude of the terrain and the poor quality of the pastures. The cows, which are expensive, are usually owned by half-breeds or whites. The Indians' cows were thin and stunted, and the little milk they produced was very poor. Considered a luxury food, it is sold. The crossbreeding of cows and zebus, experimented with in recent times, has given excellent results, especially for animals raised in the lower areas of the continent. - 1977

Packing banana bunches in Palmas Sur, Costa Rica. Banana plantations are spread along the Atlantic coastline where the climate is tropical and humidity high. These plantations, mainly operated by North American companies, cover tens of thousands of square kilometres. The bunches are sent to the United States and various European countries. Domestic consumption represents only a small percentage of production. In recent years, bananas have become less important due to the instability of prices on the markets. - 1977

A tempting display in Alajuela, Costa Rica. It shows bananas and small juicy fruits called pejiballes. This picture gives us a fairly accurate idea of the wealth and diversity of tropical fruits in the Central American republics. The consumption of these products of the earth, on the internal markets, is notable. It is an indispensable complement to a mainly vegetarian diet. This fact is the result of a long tradition. But it is also explained by the high cost of meat for the country's poorest populations. Nevertheless, the production of tropical fruits by the large landowners is primarily geared towards export. The production of bananas - to give just one example - has allowed North American companies to develop and even acquire considerable economic and political importance, becoming a veritable state within the state and keeping a close eye on everything that happens in the republic. - 1977

The coffee harvest takes place at different times of the year in most of the Central American republics. Coffee trees are one of the main natural resources of the countries of the subcontinent. Drying of the beans takes place immediately after the harvest of the precious commodity. This operation is carried out in an ingenio (factory) established on the slopes of the mountain, in all regions where coffee trees are particularly well represented. - 1977

Painting on floats in Sarchi, Costa Rica. This handicraft event, unique to the small Central American republic, is unfortunately slowly disappearing. Indeed, the life of the peasants is currently undergoing a spectacular evolution. The construction and constant improvement of a road network and the mechanisation of agriculture, which in some regions is already well advanced, are all factors likely to bring about radical and definitive changes in the customs and habits of the peasant population. - 1977

An ox cart on the road between Copán and La Entrada in Honduras. - 1977

Washerwomen near Choloma, on the way to Puerto Cortés on the Caribbean. - 1977

Painting on floats in Sarchi, Costa Rica. This handicraft event, unique to the small Central American republic, is unfortunately slowly disappearing. Indeed, the life of the peasants is currently undergoing a spectacular evolution. The construction and constant improvement of a road network and the mechanisation of agriculture, which in some regions is already well advanced, are all factors likely to bring about radical and definitive changes in the customs and habits of the peasant population. - 1977

On the beach of Travesía near Puerto Cortés in Honduras, on the Caribbean coast. This is where Christopher Columbus set foot on the continent on his fourth and last voyage in 1502. - 1977

Detail on a wall in the ruins of Copán. This site, which is significant for Maya archaeology, is located in the mountainous west of Honduras, in the middle of the tropical forest. - 1977

The symbol of the city of Heredia in Costa Rica is the Fortín, a thirteen-metre high construction dating from 1876 and designed by Fadrique Gutiérrez, a local sculptor, draftsman and photographer who also served as the city's Comandante de Plaza. By decree of 2 November 1974, the Fortín was declared a National Monument. - 1977

A scrap ship at Puerto Limón, the main port of Costa Rica on the Caribbean coast. - 1977

On a sugar cane plantation in Nicaragua. Like coffee trees, sugar cane is one of the most widespread industrial plants in the Central American republics. Their harvest is known as zafra. It involves thousands of farm workers who usually live permanently on the estate. However, if necessary, the owners can still hire a number of peones, who can be considered as seasonal workers. - 1977

A small-scale refinery in the village of Belén, Nicaragua. Similar establishments are found in large numbers in most tropical regions of the subcontinent. Immediately after the harvest, the sugar canes are brought by truck to the factory and then passed through huge crushing machines where a few indigenous people work. The juice that flows out is carefully collected in basins. It then undergoes a series of transformations that result in the production of a more or less refined sugar. Sugar cane is one of the main agricultural resources of certain regions of the Central American republics as well as of some neighbouring islands in the Caribbean Sea. The zafra takes place without interruption during the twelve months of the year. This work is mainly carried out by the blacks who were brought from Africa during the period of slavery for this very specific purpose. Indeed, the work is extremely arduous, as it is carried out under a blazing sun and in very high temperatures. It requires sustained physical effort that only the blacks, who are generally athletes, are able to provide. At the end of the harvest, the fields are burnt and a new cycle begins. - 1977

The great lake of Nicaragua (Cocibolca) has a total length of 170 kilometres. It is dominated by two volcanoes: Momotombo, which has an altitude of 1400 metres, and another much smaller volcanic cone, Momotombito (389 metres), which can be seen in the centre of the picture. In the waters of this beautiful lake, a true wonder of nature, naturalists have found three species of fish, originally from the Pacific Ocean, which have been able to adapt to fresh water thanks to the high urea content in their blood. - 1977

Near León in western Nicaragua, Brahman cows are taken to the watering place. - 1977

A guard sits at the entrance to the León rectory. On the wall is written "Defendámonos unidos la violación de nuestros derechos" (Let us defend together the violation of our rights). - 1977

On the beach in San Juan del Sur, on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. Men in charge of repainting a boat that seriously needed it, take a few moments of well-deserved rest. Such boats are used not only for fishing, which is always plentiful, but also for transporting passengers and goods. They provide a fairly regular service between the various ports of the coast, often allowing faster connections than those offered by an incomplete and, depending on the season, very poor road network. - 1977

In León, whose full name is 'Santiago de los Caballeros de León' in western Nicaragua, stands the cathedral 'Basilica de la Asunción', which was completed around 1860 after more than 100 years of construction and is considered the largest and oldest in Central America. - 1977

Mestizo woman making hats in her workshop. This craft is quite common among the inhabitants of the village of Monimbo, near Mayasa, Nicaragua. These hats are very popular with both farmers and visiting tourists. (Singer sewing machine) - 1977

Market day in Masaya in Nicaragua. A woman has bought two wicker chests. - 1977

Street scene from Masaya in Nicaragua. After the rain, the sun is shining again. - 1977

At the train station in León, Nicaragua. - 1977

These horse-drawn carriages function as taxis in the town of Masaya in Nicaragua. - 1977

Ceramics of the Chorotega Indians from the island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua. This is the world's largest volcanic island in a freshwater lake with about 270 km². - Height of the pottery 38 cm. - 1977

This engraving of a bird is located near Estelí, a town in the north of Nicaragua. It is located 148 km north of Managua on the Panamericana in the central highlands at an altitude of about 840 m and surrounded by mountains up to 1600 m. In pre-Columbian times, the area was settled by the Chorotegas, who called the area Estelí (i.e. blood river). - 1977

In the village of Cojutepeque in El Salvador, a woman chats with someone behind a colonial window grille. - 1977

Mother and child in a coffee plantation near Santa Ana in El Salvador. - 1977

Remains of the castillo (castle) of San Fernando de Omoa, Honduras. There are many ruins from the colonial period in Central America. The Spanish conquerors were often forced to build real fortresses in order to protect themselves from the repeated and courageous attacks of the Indian populations who tried, by all possible means, to defend and safeguard the integrity of their territory. These fortresses comprise a complex of buildings and were designed to be able to withstand a siege of a certain duration. They were built mainly in the vicinity of the Caribbean coastline and were also used during the 16th and 17th centuries to repel attempts by French and English pirates and freebooters to land. The latter, encouraged by their respective rulers, became more and more daring and enterprising, posing a permanent and growing threat to the possessions that the Spanish conquerors had on American soil. - 1977

Partial view of the interior of the castillo of San Fernando de Omoa, Honduras. This is one of the ammunition shops in which hundreds of cannonballs of all sizes abound. Many of these fortresses, built on American soil by the Spanish conquerors, were used as arsenals in which the troops could obtain supplies. These fortresses also provided some protection for the captains whose galleons were loaded with precious metal objects taken from the Indian populations of South America. These ships, filled with priceless treasures, then headed for Spain on a long and dangerous journey. The permanent state of insecurity that reigned throughout the colony was maintained by the hostility of the Indian populations towards the Western invaders and by the threats posed by French and English pirates and freebooters on the Atlantic coast. To this must be added the bloody struggles for power and for the possession of gold that the Spanish conquerors established in the different regions of Central America waged among themselves. - 1977

An extraordinary picture! Goats pulling a cart in Choluteca, Honduras. - 1977

Cannon barrels lie in the courtyard of the castle of San Fernando de Omoa in Honduras. A large part of these Spanish fortresses were used as weapons magazines to supply the troops. The Spanish conquerors often felt compelled to build actual fortresses to protect themselves against the spirited attacks of the Indians, who tried to defend their country's independence by any means necessary. - 1977

The church and a street of the old colonial quarter of the small town of Pespire in Honduras, not far from the Pan-American Highway. This picture clearly shows the charm that many peasant settlements in this republic of Central America still exude today. - 1977

Remains of the castillo (castle) of San Fernando de Omoa, Honduras. There are many ruins from the colonial period in Central America. The Spanish conquerors were often forced to build real fortresses in order to protect themselves from the repeated and courageous attacks of the Indian populations who tried, by all possible means, to defend and safeguard the integrity of their territory. These fortresses comprise a complex of buildings and were designed to be able to withstand a siege of a certain duration. They were built mainly in the vicinity of the Caribbean coastline and were also used during the 16th and 17th centuries to repel attempts by French and English pirates and freebooters to land. The latter, encouraged by their respective rulers, became more and more daring and enterprising, posing a permanent and growing threat to the possessions that the Spanish conquerors had on American soil. - 1977

The church and a street of the old colonial quarter of the small town of Pespire in Honduras, not far from the Pan-American Highway. This picture clearly shows the charm that many peasant settlements in this republic of Central America still exude today. - 1977

Tegucigalpa is the capital of Honduras and is the largest city in the country. It is located in the southern part of the country in a high basin on the banks of the Río Choluteca river at around 940 metres above sea level. The river water is used for washing clothes. - 1977

Mulatto musicians from Choluteca, Honduras, play music on simple wind instruments. Throughout pre-Columbian times, the Indians knew only two kinds of musical instruments: drums and wind instruments (flutes, trumpets, whistles, ocarinas) made of rushes, bamboo or clay. Stringed instruments such as guitars, harps, violins and mandolins made their appearance at the time of the Spanish conquest of America. Later, brass instruments such as trumpets, trombones, saxophones and horns were introduced and adopted by the natives. The introduction of new instruments went hand in hand with the introduction of a Western-style musical aesthetic. The use of foreign instruments and the adoption of foreign melodies significantly changed the folklore of the region. - 1977

A mulatto from Choluteca, Honduras, plays a simple wind instrument. Throughout pre-Columbian times, the Indians knew only two kinds of musical instruments: drums and wind instruments (flutes, trumpets, whistles, ocarinas) made of rushes, bamboo or clay. Stringed instruments such as guitars, harps, violins and mandolins made their appearance at the time of the Spanish conquest of America. Later, brass instruments such as trumpets, trombones, saxophones and horns were introduced and adopted by the natives. The introduction of new instruments went hand in hand with the introduction of a Western-style musical aesthetic. - 1977

School is out. These girls from Puerto Cortés in Honduras are on their way home. Their umbrellas protect against both the rain and the sun. - 1977

Travesía beach near Puerto Cortés, Honduras, on the Caribbean coast. This is probably the same landscape that Christopher Columbus saw when he landed on the mainland in 1502 during his fourth and final voyage. This coast is exposed to the Atlantic trade winds. The temperature is very high and rainfall is abundant throughout the year. These two factors allow an exuberant and varied vegetation to develop. All the species typical of tropical regions are represented here. The sea is full of fish, and the beach is home to many animals such as turtles, which frequent the area especially when they lay their eggs. In the thick forest nearby, criss-crossed by numerous rivers, wild animals abound, including jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, agoutis, deer, marsupials, reptiles, as well as a multitude of monkeys and birds that are a delight to naturalists. - 1977

On the Caribbean coast of Honduras, after returning from an especially miraculous catch. A black girl from the town of La Ceiba offers beautiful fish to passers-by. The blacks form a sizeable population that has settled preferably in the low-lying, tropical areas of the Central American republics, more precisely along the Atlantic coastline. This ethnic group has preserved many traditions in which the African element is always present. Indeed, all these blacks are more or less direct descendants of the slaves who were brought to America during the 16th and 17th centuries by the Spanish conquerors. This odious trade in ‘ebony wood’ was motivated by the fact that the Westerners had exterminated most of the Indians who, prior to the Colony, populated the islands of the Caribbean Sea and the American continent. Lacking manpower, the whites decided to replace the natives with Africans, who were given the most arduous work. - 1977

The M stele and the "Escalinata de Jerogíficos" which stand in the ruins of Copán. This Mayan archaeological site is located in the mountainous western part of Honduras, in the middle of the tropical forest. Numerous monuments and fully engraved stone stelae have been reported there. These are three to four metres high and usually evoke the shape of a figure. The figure is accompanied by glyphs and a system of dots and lines which have made it possible to date the stele. This is baroque art where the attention to detail has been pushed to the extreme. Nevertheless, these monuments are never too heavy given their exceptional dimensions. This stonework is a testimony to the incomparable talent of the Maya sculptors of the old empire. - 1977

Stele D in the ruins of Copán. This site, which is significant for Maya archaeology, is located in the mountainous west of Honduras, in the middle of the tropical forest, not far from the border with Guatemala. - 1977

Stele in the ruins of Copán. This site, which is significant for Maya archaeology, is located in the mountainous west of Honduras, in the middle of the tropical forest, not far from the border with Guatemala. - 1977

Ploughing the land with two Brahman bulls in the region of Acajutla, a municipality in El Salvador. It is located in the southwest of the department of Sonsonate. - 1977

Stele B in the ruins of Copán. This Mayan archaeological site is located in the mountainous western part of Honduras, in the middle of the rainforest. Numerous monuments and fully engraved stone stelae have been reported there. These are three to four metres high and usually evoke the shape of a figure. The figure is accompanied by glyphs and a system of dots and lines which have made it possible to date the stele. This is baroque art where the attention to detail has been pushed to the extreme. Nevertheless, these monuments are never too heavy given their exceptional dimensions. This stonework is a testimony to the incomparable talent of the Maya sculptors of the old empire. - 1977

A head in the ruins of Copán. This site, significant for Maya archaeology, is located in the mountainous west of Honduras, in the middle of the tropical forest, not far from the border with Guatemala. - 1977

A head with a round mouth in the ruins of Copán. This site, significant for Maya archaeology, is located in the mountainous west of Honduras, in the middle of the tropical forest, not far from the border with Guatemala. - 1977

Altar L in the ruins of Copán. This site, significant for Maya archaeology, is located in the mountainous west of Honduras, in the middle of the tropical forest, not far from the border with Guatemala. - 1977

View of the famous Lake Ilopango in EI Salvador. Some geologists believe that the lake is in an ancient crater. Such formations are not uncommon in Central America. Some of these lakes are very deep. The body of water is fed by seeping water and by rainfall, which is very frequent between May and December. Lake Ilopango is dominated by the Chichantepec or San Vicente volcano, which is 2181 meters high. Its water is rich in fish and a lush and diverse flora thrives on its banks. This makes it the ideal destination for the residents of the noisy and overpopulated capital San Salvador. In this area, which is of overwhelming beauty, the townspeople find peace and relaxation. But various leisure activities are also open to them. You can sail, swim, hunt and hike. - 1977

The capital of El Salvador at dusk. The city lies on a gentle slope at the foot of a volcano. It is constantly growing and currently has 600,000 inhabitants. This increase in population is due not only to a demographic explosion recorded elsewhere in the continent, but also to the migration of landless peasants to the city. These population movements generally take place in two stages. First, the natives settle in a provincial city. Then they move to the capital of the nation, which exerts an irresistible attraction on them. They are often called by relatives or friends and share their lives with them for a time. Then they become independent, but only if they have found work, which is unfortunately not always the case. Thus, vast shanty towns are created on the outskirts of the towns, forming a veritable belt of misery. - 1977

The Izalco volcano, seen from Cerro Verde, stands in the western region of El Salvador, not far from the Pacific coastline. It has an altitude of 1935 metres and dominates a vast area covered with coffee plantations, which is one of the most fertile in the country. For centuries, this volcano served as a lighthouse for navigators. But for a number of years now, its activity has completely ceased. - 1977

The church of Nuestra Señora de la Guadalupe stands in the heart of San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador. A man, followed by his dog, enters the sanctuary. We know the great importance of the Virgin of Guadalupe, patron saint of Mexico and indeed of the whole of Latin America, for the inhabitants of that continent. This prestige has lasted since the first years of the conquest of the region by the Spaniards. The image of the venerated Virgin is carried in procession at certain times of the year. - 1977

The San Salvador volcano is located in central El Salvador. The prominence currently consists of two masses: one called El Picacho at 1960 m; and the other known as El Boquerón at 1839 m, which includes a 1.5 km wide crater. Other inactive craters are located around these elevations. In the interior of El Boquerón there was a lagoon of unknown origin, which was extinguished by boiling due to eruptive phenomena during the San Salvador earthquake of 1917. Today, a small elevation can be seen at the bottom of the Boquerón crater. - 1977

Street atmosphere from the village of Izalco in El Salvador. The Nawat name Itzalku is composed of the word elements itz, "obsidian", (k)al, "house" and the locative ending -ku and can be roughly translated as "place of obsidian houses". - 1977

Children fetch water at the well in the village of Izalco in El Salvador. The Nawat name Itzalku is composed of the word elements itz, "obsidian", (k)al, "house" and the locative ending -ku and can be roughly translated as "place of obsidian houses". - 1977

Street vendors offering food to passengers on a bus in Cojutepeque, El Salvador. Due to the lack of railway lines, all transport in Central America is by road. Buses provide regular connections between the different regions of the republic. The road network is quite extensive, but in some countries it is clearly insufficient, which is a serious obstacle to the exploitation of natural resources. - 1977

Street atmosphere from the village of Izalco in El Salvador. The Nawat name Itzalku is composed of the word elements itz, "obsidian", (k)al, "house" and the locative ending -ku and can be roughly translated as "place of obsidian houses". - 1977

Decorated wall in Guatemala City. - 1977

What remains of one of the most beautiful churches in La Antigua, Guatemala, a victim like so many others of the earthquakes that devastated the country. - 1977

Street atmosphere from the village of Izalco in El Salvador. The Nawat name Itzalku is composed of the word elements itz, "obsidian", (k)al, "house" and the locative ending -ku and can be roughly translated as "place of obsidian houses". - 1977

Cotton threads of the so-called amarilla (yellow) species hanging outside a house in the village of San Sebastiân, El Salvador. The first use of cotton in Central America dates back to the second millennium B.C. It coincides with the increasing development of agriculture, the domestication of animals and the simultaneous invention of weaving, basketry and ceramics. The role of cotton in the economic life of the Indian populations was and still is important. - 1977

Aerial view of Quezaltenango, the second largest city in Guatemala. To the left of the centre of the picture you can see the cathedral. - 1977

A young mestizo boy harvests cotton in an area between La Unión and Usulután, El Salvador. Cotton was already known to the pre-Columbian populations, who used it to make the cloth worn by the important members of the group and the clergy. Is this plant species of American or Asian origin? The question remains, but we know with certainty that its daily use goes back to the most distant past. At present, cotton is cultivated on a large scale in Central America. It has become an industrial plant intended for export and is a very valuable source of income for most of the republics of the subcontinent. It owes this prestige to the excellent quality of its fibres. Its harvest, like that of coffee, requires the help of workers who work permanently in the field and, if necessary, of peones. - 1977

Cotton threads of the so-called amarilla (yellow) species hanging outside a house in the village of San Sebastiân, El Salvador. The first use of cotton in Central America dates back to the second millennium B.C. It coincides with the increasing development of agriculture, the domestication of animals and the simultaneous invention of weaving, basketry and ceramics. The role of cotton in the economic life of the Indian populations was and still is important. - 1977

A weaver in the village of San Sebastián in EI Salvador makes fabrics from cotton. This has been used in Central America since the second millennium BC. Weaving, braiding and pottery have also existed for centuries. The role of cotton in the economic life of the indigenous population remains of great importance. - 1977

Coffee plantation near Santa Ana in El Salvador. Coffee is harvested in most Central American republics and at different times of the year. It is one of the most important natural resources of the subcontinent. Immediately after the harvest, the beans are dried. This process takes place in factories built on the hillsides of the more important plantation areas. - 1977

Not far from the Guatemalan capital is the large lake of Amatitlan, around which the city dwellers have built hotels and villas that they live in on weekends and holidays. They chose this place because of its proximity to the city and the beauty of the landscape. The landscape is dominated by some of the peaks of the sierra. The Agua volcano stands out among them. The moderate altitude of the relief allows a rich vegetation to develop. - 1977

The Capuchin Convent (Capuchinas) in La Antigua, Guatemala. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful monuments of colonial art, dating from the 18th century. - Convento de Capuchinas (Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza) - 1977

Wheat fields on the way to Quezaltenango, Guatemala. - 1977

La Antigua lies at the foot of the Agua volcano. Of Guatemala's first capital, known in history as Ciudad Vieja, only very few remains remain today. The city was destroyed by earthquakes and floods as early as 1541. The Spaniards were forced to build a second capital, called La Antigua, which soon became a brilliant centre of intellectual and religious life in the subcontinent. However, the volcanic nature of the region would once again cause destruction on a massive scale. In 1773, following very strong tremors that had already occurred in the first half of the 18th century, La Antigua suffered desolation and death, forcing the Spaniards to build a new capital. Unfortunately, the latter, like the two previous ones, was not to be spared. The violent earthquake of 4 February 1976 caused the death of twenty-three thousand people. - 1977

Guatemala City, the current capital of the country, lies at an altitude of 1,500 metres on a vast plateau surrounded by hills shaped by erosion. Six hundred thousand people live there. This number is constantly growing due to the constant migration of landless peasants attracted by the bright lights of the city and guided by the hope of finding an occupation that would allow them to meet their daily needs. The owners of the houses in the residential areas maintain gardens where a multitude of tropical plants and flowers grow. - 1977

Guatemala's capital, like other Central American cities, offers the traveller many contrasts. The poorest neighbourhoods stand next to modern buildings or churches, most of which date back to the colonial era. In the old quarters, traffic is heavy and sometimes problematic due to the narrowness of the streets. Bus lines are used by the inhabitants to get to any part of the city. Other lines provide connections to the most remote parts of the country. - 1977

A beautiful church stands in the main square of the village of Salamá, Guatemala. The splendour of colonial art is underlined here by the purity and extreme sobriety of the architectural lines. - 1977

The Cobán region of Guatemala is essentially mountainous. It belongs to the great Cuchumatanes range, the northern branch of the Sierra Madre proper, which crosses the entire country from east to west. It is a well-watered sector of the national territory with abundant rainfall and fertile soil. The inhabitants, Indians and Métis, are engaged in farming and raising domestic animals. They live in modest wooden houses. - 1977

Aerial view of the volcanoes near Lake Atitlán in the direction of Quezaltenango. - 1977

Old Indian woman from La Antigua, Guatemala. In Indian society, the elderly have a prominent place and are by no means relegated to the side-lines. They share the daily lives of their community members until their death. There is a deep respect between the young and the old. It is expressed in an attitude of reverence and submission that the former spontaneously accord to the latter. The prestige of a man or a woman increases with the years. Moreover, the highest positions in the social hierarchy of the group are always reserved for people of a certain age who, throughout their lives, have shown intelligence, great moral probity and unwavering loyalty to tradition. In this distinctly patriarchal society, women nevertheless enjoy a very special status. She shares with her husband all the advantages and benefits of playing an important role in the community. Very often, the elderly man is referred to as the . It is his task to lead religious festivals and ceremonies. He is the staunch defender of the beliefs and rites that the Indians accord to their gods. For her part, the old Indian woman takes care of the education of the small children and devotes herself to various forms of handicrafts which, like weaving or the making of ceramics, imply a very sure talent, patience and a perfect knowledge of the craft. - 1977

Photo taken from the Panamerican Highway which, coming from the Mexican border and crossing the mountainous area, leads to the capital of Guatemala. The well-designed and well-maintained crop fields on the often steep slopes of the volcanoes stretch as far as the eye can see and give the landscape its characteristic appearance. The volcanic ash regularly enriches the land, enabling Indian farmers to successfully grow maize, cereals and a multitude of vegetables, which form the basis of the indigenous population's daily diet. Indeed, the food of the indigenous people is primarily vegetarian. Meat appears on the table on feast days or on the occasion of exceptional circumstances such as a baptism, a wedding or the appointment of a new community leader. The relative altitude of the land, the mild climate and the abundance of rainfall favour the development of agriculture. - 1977

Lake Atitlán, a natural wonder, is located in the heart of the Guatemalan highlands, at an altitude of 1,500 metres. It is dominated by the volcanoes Atitlán and San Pedro, on whose slopes are scattered fields of crops. It is one of the most populated areas of the altiplano. Indeed, countless villages have been built on its banks. They bear the names of saints or apostles: San Jorge, San Lucas, San Pedro, Santa Catarina, San Antonio, Santiago, etc. The inhabitants of each of these localities have their own way of life, customs, crafts, clothing and beliefs. They are engaged in agriculture, which is particularly flourishing due to the moderate altitude of the relief and the mild temperature. They also fish and harvest shellfish, which abound in the very pure waters of Lake Atitlán. - 1972

Lake Atitlán, a natural wonder, is located in the heart of the Guatemalan highlands, at an altitude of 1,500 metres. It is dominated by the volcanoes Atitlán and San Pedro, on whose slopes are scattered fields of crops. It is one of the most populated areas of the altiplano. Indeed, countless villages have been built on its banks. They bear the names of saints or apostles: San Jorge, San Lucas, San Pedro, Santa Catarina, San Antonio, Santiago, etc. The inhabitants of each of these localities have their own way of life, customs, crafts, clothing and beliefs. They are engaged in agriculture, which is particularly flourishing due to the moderate altitude of the relief and the mild temperature. They also fish and harvest shellfish, which abound in the very pure waters of Lake Atitlán. - 1977

Lake Atitlán, a natural wonder, is located in the heart of the Guatemalan highlands, at an altitude of 1,500 metres. It is dominated by the volcanoes Atitlán and San Pedro, on whose slopes are scattered fields of crops. It is one of the most populated areas of the altiplano. Indeed, countless villages have been built on its banks. They bear the names of saints or apostles: San Jorge, San Lucas, San Pedro, Santa Catarina, San Antonio, Santiago, etc. The inhabitants of each of these localities have their own way of life, customs, crafts, clothing and beliefs. They are engaged in agriculture, which is particularly flourishing due to the moderate altitude of the relief and the mild temperature. They also fish and harvest shellfish, which abound in the very pure waters of Lake Atitlán. - 1972

Volcán de Fuego is an active, 3,763 m high stratovolcano in southern Guatemala. It is located about 20 km southwest of the city of Antigua Guatemala. Fuego is one of the most active volcanoes in Guatemala. Major eruptions are rare, but there are often clouds of smoke above the crater. - 1977

Suspension bridge over the Seleguá River, which rises in the Cuchumatanes mountain range and flows northwest through the department of Huehuetenango in Guatemala towards Mexico. - 1977

Typical landscape of the central mountainous sierra of Guatemala. Working the land has a sacred meaning for the Indians. Fields of crops are spread wherever the land is fertile and the climatic conditions are favourable. However, the indigenous people have always limited themselves to subsistence farming, because the land is meant to feed people, not to make them rich. Intensive farming would impoverish the soil, which would be in contradiction with the reverence for the land. - 1977

Harvest in the wheat fields in the area between Quezaltenango and Chichicastenango. Tilling the soil is of sacred importance to the Indians. Crops extend wherever the earth is fertile and climatic conditions are favourable. Meanwhile, the indigenous people have always restricted themselves to minimal soil use, as the earth is meant to be conducive to nourishment, not enrichment. Intensive cultivation would be contrary to the reverence that should be shown to the earth. - 1977

An Indian woman in the town of Antigua in Guatemala. - 1972

In the market of Santiago de Atitlán. - 1977

The young Mayan woman Rosa-María embroiders flowers on a blouse (huipil). These embroideries are typical for the Santiago Atitlán area. - 1977

Harvest in the wheat fields in the area between Quezaltenango and Chichicastenango. Tilling the soil is of sacred importance to the Indians. Crops extend wherever the earth is fertile and climatic conditions are favourable. Meanwhile, the indigenous people have always restricted themselves to minimal soil use, as the earth is meant to be conducive to nourishment, not enrichment. Intensive cultivation would be contrary to the reverence that should be shown to the earth. - 1977

La Antigua is located at the foot of the Agua volcano, which can be seen in the background. There are only a few remains of Guatemala's first capital, Ciudad Vieja. Here, the church of the Pedro de Bethancourt Hospital on Las Campanas Street. - 1977

La Antigua is located at the foot of the Agua volcano, which can be seen in the background. There are only a few remains of Guatemala's first capital, Ciudad Vieja. Here the courtyard of the former San Carlos University. - 1977

An Indian woman from La Antigua sits at her loom. The fabrics thus produced vary considerably in colours and patterns from region to region and even from village to village. This peculiarity, which is found in all the Indian republics of the continent, stems from the fact that clothing is a characteristic of origin for the indigenous people. It distinguishes them from the others and expresses their attachment to their place of origin. - 1977

The people in Rabinal and its surroundings in the department of Baja Veracruz live mainly from agriculture. However, Rabinal is also known for its potteries and the artistic painting of their products. - 1977

The clothing worn by Guatemalan Indian women includes essential elements such as shirts, blouses known as huipiles, skirts, belts and headbands, the colours and decorations of which vary considerably from region to region and even from village to village in the country. This phenomenon, common to all the Indian republics of the continent, is due to the fact that, for the indigenous people, clothing is a factor of social identification. It allows the wearer to distinguish himself from others and to be attached to his place of origin. - 1977

The marimba, a xylophone of African origin encountered in most places, probably arrived in Central America during the slave era. The instrument has undergone noticeable changes over time, both in shape and dimensions. It is voluminous and consists of several dozen tone woods, each of which has a resonance box. Two or three natives stand in front of this keyboard, which they work with small sticks. At folk festivals, they are often accompanied by wind instruments, such as saxophones, trumpets or trombones. The latter originate from Europe and were adopted by the natives. - 1977

Doña Concepción Pacach Tzina weaving. She is wearing the traditional dress of her people and lives in the village of Santiago Atitlán in Guatemala. The indigenous weaving technique has hardly changed over the centuries. Most other commercial activities are also carried out using the same simple technique as in the past. Nevertheless, many Indians, some of whom are ingenious craftsmen, are able to produce actual works of art, weavings or ceramics, basketry and objects made of stone, metal or wood. - 1977

A young Mayan woman from Salamá, Baja Veracruz, is photographed with her child by a street photographer. - 1977

A little Mayan girl at the Friday market in San Francisco El Alto in the department of Totonicapán, Guatemala. - 1977

Doña Concepción Pacach Tzina wears the traditional dress of her people and lives in the village of Santiago de Atitlán in Guatemala. The typical costume is an example of the culture of every town in Guatemala. One of the most striking accessories is the famous tocoyal of Santiago Atitlán. The tocoyal is a ribbon that is wrapped around the head and is between 20 and 25 yards long, which is roughly equivalent to between 16 and 21 metres. To use it, it is wrapped around the head 20 times, simulating a hat. The 20 loops refer to the Mayan calendar and also signify the continuity of life, the feathered serpent and the Tzu'tujil culture. One of the most famous personalities to wear this garment was Doña Concepción Ramírez Chonita from Santiago Atitlán, who won the competition to be depicted on the 25 cent coin of the national currency in 1936. - 1977

The typical costume is a sample of the culture of each village in Guatemala. One of the accessories that stands out the most is the famous Tocoyal of Santiago Atitlán. The Tocoyal is a ribbon that is wrapped around the head and measures between 20 and 25 rods long, or approximately 16 and 21 metres. The way it is used is by wrapping it 20 times around the head, simulating a hat. The 20 turns are related to the Mayan calendar and also signify the continuity of life, the feathered serpent and the Tzu'tujil culture. One of the best known personalities who wore this garment was Doña Concepción Ramírez Chonita, from Santiago Atitlán, who in 1936 won the competition to appear on the national 25-cent coin. - 1977

It is Sunday, market day in Santiago de Atitlán, on the shores of a beautiful Guatemalan lake. These men are wearing their ethnic cotton trousers with vertical stripes. Some of these garments still have multicoloured embroidery on the lower part. However, while some have kept the typical local shirt, the majority of the others have adopted the European or American cut shirt. Men who travel and work outside their community are more influenced by the outside world than women. - 1977

Two Mayan women in their typical costumes meet for a chat in front of the entrance to a pharmacy in Santa Cruz in the department of Alta Veracruz. - 1977

A Mayan woman visits the health post in Santa Cruz Verapaz with her son. - 1977

It is Sunday, market day in Santiago de Atitlán, on the shores of a beautiful Guatemalan lake. These men are wearing their ethnic cotton trousers with vertical stripes. Some of these garments still have multicoloured embroidery on the lower part. However, while some have kept the typical local shirt, the majority of the others have adopted the European or American cut shirt. Men who travel and work outside their community are more influenced by the outside world than women. - 1977

Indian woman from the Guatemalan village of Tactic with her youngest child. Mayan women are excellent mothers. They are always immensely devoted to their children. A birth is always eagerly awaited and gives rise to a joyful celebration in which all members of the community participate. The upbringing is exemplary. The little Indians are included in the life of the adults at an early age, taught traditional actions and taught to obey the sacred old laws of their group. - 1977

The people in Rabinal and its surroundings in the department of Baja Veracruz live mainly from agriculture. However, Rabinal is also known for its potteries and the artistic painting of their products. - 1977

House construction near San Jerónimo in the department of Baja Veracruz. The roof is covered with sugar cane leaves and can serve up to 15 years before it needs to be renewed. - 1977

The Basilica of Esquipulas in the department of Chiquimula in Guatemala houses the Black Christ of Esquipulas, an image of the crucified Jesus venerated by millions of believers in Central America. - 1977

Picturesque scene taken at the Friday feria in the Guatemalan village of San Francisco el Alto. You can find everything in the Indian markets, not only products of the land and crafts, but also domestic animals. The turkey has been known throughout Central America since pre-Columbian times. Then it moved to South America. The Spaniards brought this bird to Europe when they conquered the American continent. - 1977

Another tasty scene taken at the Friday market in San Francisco el Alto, a charming village in the mountainous area of Guatemala. As early as the 16th century, the Spaniards introduced domestic animals to the Americas that were not yet known to the natives and that the latter began to raise for their own use. This was the case with cows, sheep, goats and pigs. The latter became very important during the colony and became a very important source of income in many parts of the continent. In the lowlands, pigs are fed with bananas or yucca. They roam freely in the streets of the towns and supplement their diet by swallowing whatever is within their reach. In the mountainous areas of Guatemala, on the other hand, these animals are bred for the production of fat, which is sold to mestizo and white people. The same applies to milk and eggs, which are considered luxury foods. - 1977

Friday market in San Francisco El Alto in the department of Totonicapán, Guatemala. From the 16th century onwards, the Spanish introduced domestic animals unknown to the natives into the Americas, but which they began to breed for their own use. Cows, sheep, goats and pigs became common. Pigs rose to prominence during the colonial period and became a desirable source of income in many areas. In the lower regions, pigs are fed on bananas or cassava (palm lilies). They roam freely in the streets of towns and supplement their diet with whatever is available to them. However, in the mountainous areas of Guatemala, these animals are raised for the production of lard, which is sold to mestizos and whites. - 1977

Young Mayan woman at the Friday market in San Francisco El Alto in the department of Totonicapán, Guatemala. Following the example of their ancestors from pre-Columbian times, Mayan women today still carry everything on their heads, the laundry they washed at the river, the fruits, utensils, edibles and small pets they want to sell at the market. - 1977

Young Mayan woman at the Friday market in San Francisco El Alto in the department of Totonicapán, Guatemala. Following the example of their ancestors from pre-Columbian times, Mayan women today still carry everything on their heads, the laundry they washed at the river, the fruits, utensils, edibles and small pets they want to sell at the market. To do so, they use magnificent baskets made by the artisans of their community. - 1977

A Mayan woman at the Friday market in San Francisco El Alto in the department of Totonicapán, Guatemala. Following the example of their ancestors from pre-Columbian times, Mayan women today still carry everything on their heads, the laundry they washed at the river, the fruits, utensils, edibles and small pets they want to sell at the market. To do so, they use magnificent baskets made by the artisans of their community. - 1977

The Friday market in San Francisco El Alto in the department of Totonicapán starts early in the morning. Those who have travelled a long way to visit the market like to go to one of the stalls to eat something. - 1977

Washerwomen on the way to Totonicapán. - 1977

Little Mayan girl from Totonicapán. - 1977

Indian women in San Cristóbal de Totonicapán, in the department of the same name, Guatemala. The life of the indigenous people is marked by the excellent relations that exist between the different members of the community. The most arduous tasks await each of them. But the women know how to give themselves a moment's respite. They take advantage of this time to talk with their neighbours about a wide range of topics, and to confide in them about their families and their problems. - 1977

Iglesia del Espíritu Santo of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. The first church was built in 1532 by order of Bishop Francisco Marroquín. Only the façade of the Baroque church remains, as the old church was demolished in 1899 to make way for a larger one, the construction of which took up much of the twentieth century. - 1972

Indian girl from San Cristobal de Totonicapán, a picturesque village in western Guatemala. The indigenous people of Guatemala, who make up almost half of the country's population, are found mainly in the mountainous regions. They are divided into six main ethnic groups, each with a number of subgroups. Most of the Indians are more or less direct descendants of the pre-Columbian Maya, from whom they have inherited many traditions in terms of daily activities, social life, beliefs and crafts. However, they have not been without the influence of Western culture, from which they have borrowed many elements. Nevertheless, the present-day Indians of Guatemala and neighbouring regions continue to courageously defend an invaluable heritage that gives the country its personality. - 1977

Following the example of their ancestors from pre-Columbian times, Mayan women today still carry everything on their heads, the laundry they washed at the river, the fruits, utensils, edibles and small pets they want to sell at the market. To do so, they use magnificent baskets made by the artisans of their community. The youngest child of the family accompanies his mother on all walks. Thus, even at a very tender age, he takes part in all the events of daily life. The picture was taken in Totonicapán. - 1977

Iglesia del Espíritu Santo of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. The first church was built in 1532 by order of Bishop Francisco Marroquín. Only the façade of the Baroque church remains, as the old church was demolished in 1899 to make way for a larger one, the construction of which took up much of the twentieth century. - 1972

At a market near Quezaltenango, this indigenous woman weighs her goods with a simple hand scale. - 1972

Harvest in the grain fields near Quezaltenango. This boy carries a sheaf of wheat. - 1977

A load of pottery is carried for sale in the market of Chichicastenango. - 1972

A young Maya quiché woman in the market of Chichicastenango. - 1972

At the market in Chichicastenango. Fruits and vegetables are still weighed with simple hand scales. - 1977

Mother and child photographed on the road from Quezaltenango to the capital of Guatemala. Like their more distant pre-Columbian ancestors, today's Mayan women carry everything on their heads: the clothes they have washed at the river, the products of the land and crafts, the provisions for the road or even the small domestic animals they go to sell at the nearest market. For this purpose, they use beautiful baskets made by artists from their community. The youngest child in the family accompanies his mother on all her journeys. Thus, from a very young age, the Indian child comes into contact with all the realities of the daily life of the woman to whom he owes his birth. - 1977

In San Pedro Yepocapa in the department of Chimaltenango, students parade on 15 September 1977, the bank holidays of Guatemala. On 14 October 1974, this place was partially destroyed during the eruption of the Fuego volcano. - 1977

The inhabitants of Chichicastenango belong to the indigenous Quiché ethnic group. The cemetery of the village is worth seeing and is popularly called the "cemetery of colours". The colours symbolise different aspects: White symbolises the loss of parents, yellow is used when an old man dies, and blue when a mother dies. - 1977

Indian girls at the market of Chichicastenango. The indigenous people of this country, who make up almost half of the total population, live mainly in the mountainous regions. They are divided into six main ethnic groups, each of which includes a number of subgroups. Most of these Indians are descendants of the pre-Columbian Maya, from whom they have inherited numerous traditions, whether in daily work, social form, beliefs or crafts. - 1977

Pottery, wooden chairs and decorated wooden chests are offered for sale at the Sunday market in Chichicastenango. - 1977

On the steps in front of the Santo Tomás church in Chichicastenango. - 1977

A family kneels in front of the steps of the Santo Tomás church in Chichicastenango.

Potters' corner at the Sunday market in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. This fair allows the inhabitants to buy or sell the products of the soil and handicrafts. The Indian woman looks longingly at the objects she has decided to buy. - 1977

Mayan women selling tortillas (cornmeal cakes) in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. The market starts very early in the morning. Mobile kitchens are frequented by those who have often travelled great distances to get to the fair. - 1977

A mother with her child, taken at the Sunday market in Chichicastenango. Following the example of their pre-Columbian ancestors, Mayan women carry the youngest child of the family on their backs. It accompanies its mother on all walks. In this way, it participates in all the events of daily life from a very tender age. - 1977

Chichicastenango was an important religious and political centre of the Quiché Indians. The Spanish conquistadors destroyed the old Maya temple and built the church of Santo Tomás on its base (picture). To this day, however, the church is also used by Mayan shamans and healers (curanderos) who light incense and candles on the floor, blow liquor over it and make offerings of flowers. The 18 steps of the staircase, which may still be from the old Mayan temple, correspond to the months of the Mayan calendar. - 1977

The main festival in Chichicastenango is celebrated every 21st December during the winter solstice in honour of the holy apostle Thomas. However, since the Quiché calendar is based on astronomical events related to the sun, the festival may have originally belonged to the worship of a Mayan deity. The traditional indigenous festivals have survived the influences of the Catholic religion. But many elements have been adopted from Catholicism. For example, every village on the high plains has its own patron saint or patron saints, whose feast day is celebrated with pomp. The whole population takes part in the procession. - 1977

The votive offerings are placed on the steps of the Church of the Calvary. They burn pieces of copal and pray to their gods. - 1977

A Mayan Quiché woman on the steps of the Church of the Calvary. She burns pieces of copal and prays to her gods. - 1972

The main festival in Chichicastenango is celebrated every 21st December during the winter solstice in honour of the holy apostle Thomas. However, since the Quiché calendar is based on astronomical events related to the sun, the festival may have originally belonged to the worship of a Mayan deity. The traditional indigenous festivals have survived the influences of the Catholic religion. But many elements have been adopted from Catholicism. For example, every village on the high plains has its own patron saint or patron saints, whose feast day is celebrated with pomp. The whole population takes part in the procession. - 1977

A farmer crosses the Río San José in central Guatemala with his cows. - 1977

Dusk over Lago Izabal in eastern Guatemala. - 1977

Chichicastenango was an important religious and political centre of the Quiché Indians. The Spanish conquistadors destroyed the old Maya temple and built the church of Santo Tomás on its base (picture). To this day, however, the church is also used by Mayan shamans and healers (curanderos) who light incense and candles on the floor, blow liquor over it and make offerings of flowers. - 1972

SantoTomás is the patron saint of the famous Indian village of Chichicastenango in Guatemala. The traditional indigenous festivals have survived the influences of the Catholic religion. But many elements have been taken over from Catholicism. For example, every village on the high plains has its own patron saint or patron saints, whose feast day is celebrated with pomp and ceremony. The whole population takes part in the procession. - 1977

The Church of the Calvary in Chichicastenango occupies the other end of a large square dominated by the temple erected to Santo Tomas. Twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays, a market is held in this square, attended by thousands of Indians from the region. This feria has become a real tourist attraction. The staircase of the Church of Calvary, like that of the temple of Santo Tomás, is a place of offerings where the natives like to gather. They burn pieces of copal and recite prayers to their gods. - 1977

A Mayan Quiché woman on the steps of the Church of the Calvary. She burns pieces of copal and prays to her gods. - 1977

The votive offerings are placed on the steps of the Church of the Calvary. They burn pieces of copal and pray to their gods. - 1977

The Church of the Calvary in Chichicastenango occupies the other end of a large square dominated by the temple erected to Santo Tomas. Twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays, a market is held in this square, attended by thousands of Indians from the region. This feria has become a real tourist attraction. The staircase of the Church of Calvary, like that of the temple of Santo Tomás, is a place of offerings where the natives like to gather. They burn pieces of copal and recite prayers to their gods. - 1977

Not far from Chichicastenango, at the top of a hill that dominates the town, there is a place of worship that is very frequented by the Maya Quichés of the region. There is an anthropomorphic volcanic stone idol, known in the country as Pascuala Abaj, accompanied by a few crosses, also made of stone, which testify to a marked influence of Christianity on the religion of the natives. The Indians frequently go to this place to venerate their gods to whom they offer candles, pieces of copal, flower petals and pine needles. They say prayers to the God of the World and sometimes sacrifice a chicken or a turkey, throwing the blood of these animals towards the four cardinal points. Similar places of worship can be found in remote areas of the Guatemalan mountains or tropical jungle, where a pre-Columbian stela is found. - 1977

SantoTomás is the patron saint of the famous Indian village of Chichicastenango in Guatemala. The traditional indigenous festivals have survived the influences of the Catholic religion. But many elements have been taken over from Catholicism. For example, every village on the high plains has its own patron saint or patron saints, whose feast day is celebrated with pomp and ceremony. The whole population takes part in the procession. - 1977

One of the most important and esteemed figures in a procession in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. He is the principal or religious leader of the community, who leads all the ceremonies and rites celebrated by the members of his group. He is also known as the anciano or pasado (elder). To reach this enviable position, he has had to carry out a wide range of functions throughout his life, successively dedicating himself to the church and the objects of worship, organising the processions and serving the patron saint of his village. The principal is a respected man who acts in concert with the chiman or indigenous priest of the community. Both are the most faithful defenders of the tradition. They also seek, by their example, to maintain the balance and safeguard the morals of their group. The principal usually comes from a fairly well-to-do family, which is not necessarily the case for his closest aides. Nevertheless, both strive to perform tasks that are aimed at the material and spiritual development of the representatives of their clan. - 1977

On 21 December, the indigenous people of Chichicastenango celebrate the patron saint of their beautiful Guatemalan village, Santo Tomás. A monstrance is also carried around in the procession. - 1977

The main festival in Chichicastenango is celebrated every 21st December during the winter solstice in honour of St. Thomas the Apostle. The masked dancers are considered to be imitating the Spanish invader of times past. - 1972

On the way to Tikal, an ancient Mayan city in the rainforests of Petén in northern Guatemala. - 1977

In Chichicastenango, the indigenous people celebrate the day of Santo Tomás, patron saint of this beautiful Guatemalan village, on 21 December. The marimba, a xylophone of African origin, found in most places, was probably introduced into Central America during slavery. However, it has undergone significant changes over time, both in terms of its shape and size. It is a bulky instrument with several dozen wooden keys, each with a resonance box. Two or three natives stand in front of this keyboard and strike it with small sticks. In many popular festivals, they are still accompanied by players of wind instruments such as saxophones, trumpets and trombones. These instruments, which came from Europe, were immediately adopted by the locals. - 1977

The main festival in Chichicastenango is celebrated every 21st December during the winter solstice in honour of St. Thomas the Apostle. The masked dancers are considered to be imitating the Spanish invader of times past. - 1977

On the way to Tikal, an ancient Mayan city in the rainforests of Petén in northern Guatemala. Today the road is asphalted. - 1977

The main festival in Chichicastenango is celebrated every 21st December during the winter solstice in honour of St. Thomas the Apostle. The masked dancers are considered to be imitating the Spanish invader of times past. - 1977

The main festival in Chichicastenango is celebrated every 21st December during the winter solstice in honour of Saint Thomas the Apostle. Throughout pre-Columbian times, the Indians knew only two types of musical instruments, drums and wind instruments (flutes, trumpets, whistles and ocarinas) made of cane stalks, bamboo or clay. - 1977

The main festival in Chichicastenango is celebrated every 21st December during the winter solstice in honour of Saint Thomas the Apostle. Throughout the pre-Columbian period, the Indians knew only two types of musical instruments, drums and wind instruments (flutes, trumpets, whistles and ocarinas) made of cane stalks, bamboo or clay. Instruments made of copper such as trumpets, trombones, saxophones and horns were soon adopted by the natives from the Spanish conquerors. The use of the foreign musical instruments and the adoption of a foreign type of music brought noticeable changes to the folklore of the indigenous people. - 1977

Approximately in the middle of the department of Petén is the main town of Flores. The town is located on an island near the southern shore of Lake Petén-Itzá. From here you can get to the ruined city of Tikal, which can be found about 60 km to the northeast. - 1977

The Jaguar Pyramid of Tikal (or Tik'al, according to modern Maya spelling), which is one of the largest urban centres of the pre-Columbian Maya civilisation. It is located in the municipality of Flores in the department of Petén and is part of the Tikal National Park. - 1977

In the mountainous area of northern Guatemala, near the provincial capital of Huehuetenango, stand the ruins of Zaculeu. Some archaeologists place these glorious remains chronologically before the Maya of the first empire (Culture Mam). However, there is no unanimous agreement among scholars on this subject. The ruins of Zaculeu have been partially restored. The usefulness of some of these interventions could be questioned. Nevertheless, the site occupies a fairly large area and is set in a splendid landscape that is well suited to seduce the traveller. Moreover, from an ethnographic point of view, the Huehuetenango region is rich and deserves a visit. - 1977

Stele 22 in the temple complex of Tikal from the year 771, built under the ruler Yax Nuun Ahiin II. - 1977

In the mountainous area of northern Guatemala, near the provincial capital of Huehuetenango, stand the ruins of Zaculeu. Some archaeologists place these glorious remains chronologically before the Maya of the first empire. However, there is no unanimous agreement among scholars on this subject. The ruins of Zaculeu have been partially restored. The usefulness of some of these interventions could be questioned. Nevertheless, the site occupies a fairly large area and is set in a splendid landscape that is well suited to seduce the traveller. Moreover, from an ethnographic point of view, the Huehuetenango region is rich and deserves a visit. - 1977

The Jaguar Pyramid of Tikal (or Tik'al, according to modern Maya spelling), which is one of the largest urban centres of the pre-Columbian Maya civilisation. It is located in the municipality of Flores in the department of Petén and is part of the Tikal National Park. At the foot of the structure, one can recognise stelae one to two metres high, often laid out in a straight line, with strange signs and hieroglyphics. - 1977

Temple II of Tikal (or Tik'al, according to modern Maya spelling), which is one of the largest urban centres of the pre-Columbian Maya civilisation. It is located in the municipality of Flores in the department of Petén and is part of the Tikal National Park. At the foot of the structure, one can recognise stelae one to two metres high, often laid out in a straight line, with strange signs and hieroglyphics. - 1977

The city of Tikal is located in the north of Guatemala, in the heart of the Petén jungle. It is one of the largest sanctuary cities in the classical Maya world, covering an area of at least 100 square kilometres. North American archaeologists have been studying this extraordinary site for several years now. Their work is all the more commendable because archaeological excavations are very difficult in the forest. The exuberant vegetation, kept alive by the heat and the year-round humidity, makes it difficult to carry out large-scale research. It is calculated that only one-sixteenth of the city has been studied to date, and this despite the greatest difficulties. The site shows a series of palaces, temples and pyramids. Some of the latter, which are nearly sixty metres high, dominate the jungle. Some of these amazing constructions represent a mass of material estimated at 200,000 cubic metres! This figure, in truth, leaves one dreaming. Almost vertical staircases lead to the upper part of these pyramids, which is a platform on which an often highly decorated temple still stands. Unfortunately, rain erosion, which is almost constant in the forest, has caused the destruction of many of these works of art. At the foot of the buildings and often forming alignments, one can see steles of one to two metres in height, covered with strange engravings and hieroglyphs. - 1977

Temple complex of Tikal (or Tik'al, according to modern Mayan spelling), which is one of the largest urban centres of the pre-Columbian Mayan civilisation. It is located in the municipality of Flores in the department of Petén and is part of the Tikal National Park. - 1977

Detail of a stele from Tikal in Guatemala. Most of these Mayan-made artworks feature figures and hieroglyphs that have long been studied by archaeologists. The engravings, executed with remarkable mastery, depict people and mythological animals and are often accompanied by symbolic signs representing the days of the year. A witty system of dots and dashes marks the series of numbers invented by the pre-Columbian peoples of Central America. - 1977

Stele 9 in the temple complex of Tikal from the year 475, built under the ruler Kan Chitam. - 1977

Ceramic plate from tomb no. 33 at Tikal. The figure represents the deity Tchac. Diameter 48 cm. - Museo Nacional de Tikal, Guatemala. - 1977

Detail of a stone stele from the Maya site of Quiriguá in Guatemala. This remains are believed to date back to 766 AD. Most of the monuments left by the Maya are covered with figures and hieroglyphs that have long attracted the attention of archaeologists. This is the case of the stelae that are often found in large numbers in most of the pre-Columbian sites in Guatemala, Mexico and Honduras. These engravings, executed with remarkable mastery, represent characters as well as mythological animals, often accompanied by symbolic signs representing the days of the year. An ingenious system of dots and lines illustrates the numbering system invented by the pre-Columbian peoples of Central America. - 1977

Stele Maya in Quiriguá, which is an archaeological site of the ancient Maya civilisation in the department of Izabal in north-eastern Guatemala. It is a medium-sized site of about 3 km² located on the lower reaches of the Motagua River, with its ceremonial centre 1 km from the north bank of the river. - 1977

A small pot from the Maya culture made of clay. It is a polychrome almost cylindrical bowl in the style of Tepeu I from the Petén. Diameter 12 cm, height 13 cm. - Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología de Guatemala en Ciudad de Guatemala - 1977

A polychrome pot of the Maya culture made of clay. It is a Magdalena phase bowl with human motifs and hieroglyphics. The place of discovery is San Agustín Acasaguastlán. Diameter 14.3 cm, height 20.5 cm. - Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología de Guatemala en Ciudad de Guatemala - 1977

Funerary vase from temple no. 1 in the ruins of Tikal, Guatemala. It is a polychrome ceramic vessel with a height of 29.8 cm and a diameter of 17.3 cm. This beautiful example dates back to 700 AD. (Museo Nacional de Tikal). The vase represents two figures. One of them is seated; he seems to occupy a particularly important place in the social hierarchy of his group judging by the way he is dressed and the monumental headdress he wears. A number of hieroglyphs and essentially symbolic decorations can also be seen on this pottery, which are closely related to the scene depicted. These signs make it possible to date the funerary vessel with a fair degree of accuracy. Indeed, archaeologists have come to the conclusion that the vessel is about 1300 years old. The colours used are extremely delicate and show both the taste and the incomparable mastery of pre-Columbian artists. The manufacturing techniques were nevertheless very basic, as the Indians did not know how to use a lathe. The method known as the "colombin", known to other populations of the continent, was very widespread among the ancient Maya. It is still used today in many parts of the American continent. It consists of using small clay rods which, when welded together, make it possible to create the desired container. - 1977

Burial vase from temple no. 1 in the ruined fields of Tikal in Guatemala. It is a multi-coloured ceramic of 29.8 cm height. The diameter of the opening is 17.3 cm. This beautiful piece is thought to have been made around 700 AD and is in the Museo Nacional of Tikal. The vase shows two people, one of whom is seated and seems to occupy a high rank in the hierarchy of the community, judging by her clothing and the powerful headdress she wears. One also notices a number of hieroglyphs and symbolic decorations closely related to the scene depicted. These signs make it possible to determine fairly precisely when the vase was made. Archaeologists believe that it must be about 1300 years old. - 1977

Carved and engraved jade pectoral from the site of Nebaj (Quiché department) in Guatemala. It is 14.5 cm wide and 10.2 cm high (Museo Nacional de Arqueología y de Etnología de Guatemala). This magnificent piece belongs to the late classical Maya civilisation. It proves that the Indian craftsmen worked with an unquestionable mastery of the most diverse materials, be it stone, clay or wood. Imitating their illustrious predecessors of the Formative period, the Olmecs, the Maya used jade, which they imported from the mountainous regions of the continent. From this stone they made a multitude of statuettes, ornaments and representations of their gods. Some of these jade pectorals are often covered with fine engravings that represent figures seen in profile and in the most diverse poses. They have a characteristic face that can still be found today among many Indians of the high plateaus of Mexico and Guatemala. - 1977

Polychrome terracotta vase from the Late Classic Maya period (Chama style) probably representing a priest wearing an impressive headdress made of rainforest bird feathers. This example is 21 cm high; the diameter of the opening is 13 cm (Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología de Guatemala). Maya ceramics, of which a great number of samples have been collected, went through four stages of evolution, from the simplest and most utilitarian forms to more and more complicated, even baroque, ritual vessels and anthropomorphic pieces representing clergy or nobility. Other clay pieces are in the form of mythological animals. The study of these ceramics and their ornamentation has enabled specialists to supplement the information obtained from excavations carried out in the different regions occupied by the Maya throughout the pre-Columbian period. - 1977

Polychrome ceramic plate from tomb no. 33 at Tikal. The interior shows a person dressed in jaguar skin. Diameter 30.5 cm, height 10 cm. - Museo Nacional de Tikal, Guatemala. - 1977

Street scene from the city of Belize. The majority of the inhabitants of Belize are coloured, Mayan, Mestizo, Antillean, Mulatto, Syrian, Lebanese and Chinese. All these people speak a language with Spanish, English and French elements. British Honduras or Belize is a small country that is hardly spoken of, at least not in Europe. - 1978

The clock tower in Belize City or British Honduras was built in 1924. The English language sign is there to remind us of the presence of Great Britain, although the majority of the inhabitants are mostly people of colour: Mayan Indians, Mestizos, West Indian Blacks, Mulattoes, Syrians, Lebanese and Chinese. All these people speak a language in which Spanish, English and French words are recognisable. British Honduras is a small country that is not much talked about, at least in the Western world. However. For years, Guatemala has been claiming possession of it, accusing Britain of not having kept its promises. In exchange for the occupation of the territory, Great Britain had promised to build a communication route that would have allowed Guatemala to sell part of its exports to the Caribbean coast. Unfortunately, this promise was never fulfilled and unease set in. - 1978

Characteristic landscape of Belize. This photo was taken in the Orange Walk region, which occupies the northern sector of this small Central American country. The vegetation is predominantly lowland, tropical and swampy. With the exception of a mountainous region near the Guatemalan border, most of Belize is like this. It is a country marked by extremely high temperatures and constant humidity, two factors that make life particularly difficult. This explains, at least to some extent, why British Honduras remains a land that has been only imperfectly exploited up to now. Great surprises await those who explore the almost impenetrable jungle of this part of Central America, where numerous Mayan ruins and rare and valuable plant species have already been reported. - 1978

A canal runs through the town of Belize. It is lined with houses of characteristic architecture. The corrugated iron roofs are a fairly effective protection against your inclement climate, marked by abundant rainfall. In British Honduras, rainfall reaches at least three metres per year. At times, your significant drop in atmospheric pressure heralds the appearance of a cyclone that has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and then moves towards your islands in the West Indies, still affecting your northern regions of Central America. - 1978

The majority of the inhabitants of Belice are coloured, Mayan, Mestizo, Antillean, Mulatto, Syrian, Lebanese and Chinese. All these people speak a language with Spanish, English and French elements. British Honduras or Belize is a small country that is hardly spoken of, at least not in Europe. - 1978

Domino players in Belize City. Games are an important part of the daily life of people in the tropics, so much so that they sometimes take precedence over other more lucrative activities. However, it should be taken into account that life in these latitudes is already difficult because of the heat and humidity. In any case, the natives could not maintain a work rhythm similar to that of the inhabitants of temperate regions. - 1978

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