Ancient art of the province of Chiriqui, Colombia Sixth Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1884-1885, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1888, pages 3-188

A quiet corner of the isthmus, once brushed over by explorers, is brought to life through a detailed survey of its landscape and early inhabitants. The report paints a picture of a province wedged between volcanic ridges and two oceans, with low‑lying belts that once served as natural corridors for peoples moving north and south. By mapping the region’s rivers, bays, and plateau, the author sets the stage for the cultural treasures hidden in the middle strip of lowland near the Bay of David.

Turning to the material remains, the work showcases a rich collection of ancient carvings, pottery, and stone tools that link the art of this area to the broader traditions of Costa Rica, Veragua, and the South American continent. Illustrated plates and even short MIDI excerpts of indigenous instruments invite listeners to imagine the sounds and visual motifs that once filled the province. The narrative remains focused on the early discoveries, leaving the deeper mysteries of the artifacts for future explorers to uncover.