Economy of the Pacific

One of six beautiful maps known collectively as ‘The Pageant of the Pacific.’

This wonderfully illustrated map spans the breadth of four different continents and highlights the rich economic prosperity of territory around the Pacific Ocean. Dozens of symbols representing various industrial and agricultural products are scattered throughout the image, while bright colors generalize the land into various valuable uses according to the legend in the lower center. Vignettes emphasize local flora, fauna, and cultural elements. From pineapples to platinum, the immense Pacific region produces a tremendous variety of goods.

The image was originally created as part of a six-piece mural set designed by the talented Miguel Covarrubias for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition in San Francisco. Collectively known as ‘The Pageant of the Pacific’, the large artworks were displayed in the Pacific House on Treasure Island as one of the highlights of the World’s Fair. The prints were copywritten by the San Francisco Bay Exposition Company and published locally in 1940.