A 1940 voyage through the South Sea Islands and Central America
In short: Step into a restored travelogue from the MS Kungsholm. This footage follows a 1940 journey from New York to the San Blas Islands and Guatemala, capturing rare glimpses of indigenous life and colonial-era landscapes.
The footage documents a voyage by the Swedish American Line, beginning in New York Harbor on January 20, 1940. It captures the San Blas Islands in Panama, where the Kuna people live on small coral islands. The film observes Kuna traditions, including intricate applique embroidery and the use of red lipstick on children's noses, while noting the influence of western dress.
The journey continues via Pan American Airways from Balboa to Guatemala. The footage explores the K'iche' Maya culture in Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan, documenting religious processions, traditional woven textiles, and the daily rhythms of village life, such as washing at town cisterns and driving cattle.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Gripsholm Cruise I (1940)
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-gripsholm-cruise-i-1940.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
