Photo Gallery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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