As
I painted a vibrant red color against the soft, carved mask in front of me
during an interactive day in the Boruca Indigenous community, I pondered the
changes that have occurred in the culture throughout the past years. Forty
years ago, the road we drove in on, the running water we used to fill up our water
bottles, and the schools we have watched dozens of children skipping towards,
did not exist. More interestingly, the masks we are painting were traditionally
left as a simple wood design to be used in ceremonies. Today, just as the masks
have adapted colors, the society and infrastructure has developed as well.
Prior to these changes, members of the community were attending school in San
Jose, unlikely to return, and thus, the language and culture of the Boruca was
beginning to disintegrate. However, an increase in livelihood due to the market
for artisanries has revived the community and has kept Boruca members in
permanent residence.
Nevertheless, the Boruca community
is still facing challenges such as regaining land back that has been taken by
both public and private owners. When the Costa Rican government created a
national park nearby, the community lost access to many of the natural
resources they commonly utilized. Today, they are working with the government
to regain opportunities in the national park. Furthermore, due to the
community’s success in selling art pieces and sharing customary performances
with interested tourists, many outside communities have copied their style and
as a result they have had meetings with other groups to make a law protecting
the indigenous cultural characteristics and information. Lastly, the community
suffers from discrimination when they go to the main town and try to utilize
transportation services. Political groups in the main neighboring areas rarely
include leaders from the Boruca community in their discussions, and thus the
Boruca community rarely has a say or influence.
Our day with the Boruca community
shed light on many aspects of the struggles indigenous communities face in
Costa Rica. The trip also gave us the opportunity to witness some of the
meaningful cultural practices that have been passed on for centuries through
traditional knowledge, from mask painting, to spinning string from cotton, to
using plants to dye clothing. The concept of culture as changing, adaptive, and
dynamic was emphasized in the Boruca’s acceptance of technology and creation of
applications to preserve and teach children their language.
Photo by Bailey D’Antonio.
Painted masks created and sold by the Boruca.
Photo by Bailey D’Antonio.
Dyed cotton string using plants surrounding a Boruca
leader’s house.
