[Mining Site Chincha Islands] 1860s - 1870s

José Negretti's "Mining Site Chincha Islands" (1860s-1870s) is a captivating photograph depicting a mining operation on the Chincha Islands, a group of islands off the coast of Peru. The photograph captures the intricate wooden scaffolding used for extracting guano, a valuable fertilizer that was a major source of wealth for Peru in the 19th century. The stark landscape and the presence of ships in the harbor further emphasize the importance of the site. This photograph offers a glimpse into the historical significance of the Chincha Islands and the labor-intensive process of guano mining.