This is the complete set of six plates of Miguel Covarrubias' terrific "Pageant of the Pacific" portfolio, based on murals he painted for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition in San Francisco. Covarrubias (1904-1957) was a Mexican painter, illustrator, filmmaker, and anthropologist who was referred to as Mexico's Renaissance Man. Each of his world's fair map murals had a different theme: peoples of the Pacific, flora and fauna of the ocean, art forms of the region, the economy, Indigenous dwellings, and Indigneous modes of transportation (brief descriptions of each are provided below). Copyrighted by the San Francisco Bay Exposition Company, published by Pacific House. Lithography by the H.S. Crocker Company, Inc. and Schwabacher-Frey Company.

A. Peoples of the Pacific, dated 1939 (33.8 x 21.3"). This map uses a color-coded key and illustrated figures to illustrate the various racial and ethnic backgrounds of the Pacific. Condition: There are a couple minor spots in map image. Light toning and minor dampstains are confined to the margins. A tiny edge tear in the right blank margin has been closed on verso with archival tape. (B+)

B. The Fauna and Flora of the Pacific, dated 1940 (33.8 x 21.3"). Wildlife and plants of the region are depicted here in the most charming manner. A color key at bottom right identifies the various biomes. Condition: There are some light creases in map image, and light toning and soiling in the blank margins. There are a couple tack holes in the top corners. (B+)

C. Art Forms of the Pacific Area, dated 1940 (33.5 x 21.1"). On this sheet Covarrubias recreates traditional and Indigenous art forms of the Pacific, with illustrations of statues, religious iconography, rugs, masks, and much more. Condition: There are small light stains that enter map image in the corners at left, a few light extraneous creases, and light toning that enters map image at bottom right. A tiny edge tear in the right blank margin has been closed on verso with archival tape. (B)

D. Economy of the Pacific, dated 1940 (33.7 x 21.3"). This plate highlights the various resources and industries in Asia, Australia, and the Americas. A key at bottom indicates agricultural practices, crops, livestock, and natural resources. Condition: There is minor extraneous creasing. In the margins, there is light toning and minor foxing. (B+)

E. Native Dwellings of the Pacific Area, dated 1940 (22.1 x 13.9"). This plate focuses on forms of shelter across the region, covering everything from Tibetan monasteries to Pueblo cliff dwellings. Condition: Light scattered foxing. (B+)

F. Native Means of Transportation in the Pacific Area, dated 1940 (22.1 x 13.8"). This map explores a vast range of means of transportation, across land, sea, and sky. Condition: A few spots of foxing with light extraneous creasing in the upper blank margin. (A)

References: Hornsby (Picturing America) #102; Manasek, Griggs & Griggs, p. 303.

Condition:

Colorful examples on sturdy sheets. Plates I through IV have all been rolled and do not presently lay flat on their own. See description above for additional details.