Pre-Colonial Pearl Islands and the Conquest…
The islands were first occupied by indigenous populations. The largest island is Isla del Rey where more than fifteen pre-Columbian archeological sites of the “Cuevas” and “Cocle” cultures have been identified. However, none of the original population remains as they were wiped out within two years of the islands’ discovery by the Spanish. Spaniard Vasco Nunez de Balboa, named the islands Pearl Islands in 1513 due to the many pearls found there. The Spaniards then needed workers to harvest pearls and imported slave labour from Africa, whose descendants still live on the islands.
Balboa… a Time of Drastic Change.
While an incredibly brave explorer, he also had a well-earned reputation as a savage conqueror.
Discovery and a new “Normal”…
When the Pearl Islands were discovered in 1513, the Spanish were amazed at the quantity of pearls they found. This unleashed a wave of greed that didn’t end well for the island’s indigenous population.
Indigenous and African Slave Pearl Divers
After the native populations were eliminated, African slaves were brought to the Pearl Islands to continue diving for pearls. Many of their ancestors still live in the fishing villages on the island.
Pearl Islands as a Trans-Shipment Point
The Spaniards used the Pearl Islands as a trans-shipment point for the riches they plundered from other areas of South America. Isla Contadora (Counting House) was used as an “inventory” point to count the gold, silver, gems and pearls that were being shipped onward to Spain.
More than just Pearls!
It’s not just a distant history, as new wrecks and treasure are still being discovered on the beaches and in the warm waters around the islands.
Pirates
Because of the large number of treasure ships transiting the islands, and their many coves and harbours, pirates were a common sight in the Pearl Islands.
The Pearl Island Archipelago A Pristine Paradise today!
The Peaceful Pearl Islands
For many years, the Pearl Islands have been a playground for avid fishermen, divers, and those wanting to relax in a safe, tropical playground with clear waters, uncrowded beaches and mild weather.
Wealthy Panamanians have their Vacation Homes Here!
And now they have been joined by a few lucky foreigners. Do you want to be next?
… and a Few High-End Resorts are Springing up in this Tropical Paradise!
Maybe you are thinking of staying at one… or starting your own version of a “barefoot luxury eco-retreat”?
La Peregrina
One of the most famous pearls in the world, named ‘La Peregrina’, was found in the Pearl Islands and taken to King Phillip II in Spain, who gifted it to Queen Mary I of England as an engagement present. When she died, the pearl necklace was returned to Spain for 250 years. Napoleon took the pearl to France after he conquered Spain. He sold the pearl. In 1969 Richard Burton purchased ‘La Peregrina’ and gifted it to the famous actress, Elizabeth Taylor. In 2011 when Elizabeth died, the necklace was sold by Sotheby’s for $11.8 million to an anonymous buyer.
