South Pacific Ancient Indigenous Culture, the Boruca and Terraba People

Boruca – Devils Festival 2013 – Costa Rica – Photo by Matthew Kirsch

The South Pacific of Costa Rica was once inhabited and ruled by indigenous tribes, mostly the Brunca indigenous people, who are nowadays located in the villages of Boruca, Curré, and Terraba.

Inspired by the knowledge of centuries of an old tradition, the Boruca people represent their inherent very creative expression through masks carved in balsa wood and painted with vibrant colors and the weaving of colorful textiles. The threads for the material are generally dyed with leaves, roots, and extracts from seashells.

The masks are important elements in the annual Diablitos Dance celebrated in Boruca y Curré. The dance represents the resistance of the "Diablitos", representing the Boruca people, against the Spanish conquistadors.

Today indigenous peoples of Costa Rica strive to revitalize their indigenous culture and show it proudly to their community's visitors.

The experience of meeting these indigenous communities is unforgettable for tourists who visit them, observation of the work of the artists who carved masks, women weaving, presentation in the theatrical form of traditions, mythologies, and history of their native culture is something that is worth knowing.

If you visit the South Pacific of Costa Rica, we recommend including in your program a visit to indigenous communities, we assure you will very satisfied.

Sites with stone spheres of Valley Diquis in Osa were declared World Heritage Site and it is here where you can see these expressions of art in a culture who lives in the South Pacific of Costa Rica for thousands of years. Remember to visit Batambal, Grijalba, Stone Park, and or the Museum at Finca 6 which are the world heritage sites.

Find articles about indigenous culture, art, and the artists themselves with an attractive photo gallery, showing their very original crafts.

Read more articles about indigenous culture