Ancient art of the province of Chiriqui, Colombia

The work opens with a vivid picture of Chiriqui’s geography, a narrow strip where the Atlantic and Pacific waters meet, framed by volcanic mountains and low‑lying coastal plains. Within this unique corridor, the author shows how ancient peoples left a scattered yet telling record of their art, linking the styles of Costa Rica, Veragua, and the broader South American world. The introduction sets the stage for a careful exploration of the region’s hidden archaeological treasures.

Richly illustrated, the book pairs detailed plates and maps with concise captions that preserve the original proportions of the artifacts. Readers will hear snippets of reconstructed music from the “musical instruments” section, offering an audible glimpse into the sounds that once filled these communities. Technical notes on encoding and display ensure the visual and auditory material appears as intended, making the experience both scholarly and accessible.

For anyone curious about the early cultures of Central America, this study provides a clear, engaging overview of Chiriqui’s art and its place in the broader tapestry of pre‑colonial history.