Los inicios de la arqueología científica y los objetos de metal de la Gran Chiriquí

This contribution examines two publications published in German at the end of the 19th century, previously unknown in our country. To contextualize them, a section was written at the beginning that historically places them within the current of anthropological thought, not only European but also American. After independence, Central America was visited by hundreds of naturalists, collectors, and amateurs, whose activity had an impact that has not been sufficiently evaluated, as much of the scientific and literary production remained out of reach of these societies due to the language barrier. For the study of the beginnings of scientific research in archaeology, of science in general, and the construction of scientific exchange networks, it is essential to have access to the majority of the work written during that period.