Home > South America > Peru > Related Images
Extracting Guano / Peru
Poster Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
Extracting Guano / Peru
Peruvians on the Chincha islands, work to extract guano deposits
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 603097
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10124523
1865 Deposits Extract Extracting Guano Peru Peruvians Quarry Chincha
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "Peruvians on the Chincha Islands: Extracting Guano, 1865". This evocative image captures a moment in the history of the Chincha Islands off the coast of Peru, where Peruvian laborers are shown toiling in the harsh conditions of a guano quarry in 1865. Guano, a rich source of nitrates and phosphates, was highly valued as a natural fertilizer during the 19th century, leading to a significant industry in its extraction. The Chincha Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, were home to vast deposits of this valuable resource. The laborers in this photograph are seen working in a quarry, carefully chiseling out the precious deposits using simple tools such as picks and shovels. The quarry walls are lined with large baskets, which would be filled with the extracted guano and transported to waiting ships for transportation to Europe and North America. Despite the lucrative potential of the guano industry, the working conditions were often brutal. The laborers, many of whom were enslaved or indentured, were exposed to extreme weather conditions, dangerous working environments, and long hours. The isolation of the islands, combined with the harsh living conditions, made life difficult for those who worked there. This photograph offers a glimpse into the history of the Peruvian guano industry, which played a significant role in the economic development of the country during the late 19th century. It also serves as a reminder of the human cost of extractive industries, and the often-brutal working conditions endured by laborers in the pursuit of valuable resources. The image is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Peruvian people, who worked tirelessly in the harsh conditions of the Chincha Islands to extract guano, contributing to the global agricultural revolution of the 19th century.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
