The history and traditions of Borucan masks began over 500 years ago, during the Spanish Conquest. 'Diablito' masks, or little devil masks were created and worn with the intent to scare the unwelcome invaders back to Spain.

The pride of the Boruca people is their ornately carved, wooden masks. The masks come in many different varieties and styles, but authentic Boruca masks demonstrate an expert craft, passed down for centuries.

You might see them in museums and souvenir shops around the country: brightly colored, meticulously carved wooden masks with fierce and sometimes even frightening expressions. These are traditional Boruca masks, and are a symbol for the small indigenous group in …

Discover the Boruca tribe of Costa Rica, their rich mythology, and the famous handcrafted Boruca masks. Support indigenous artists and explore their cultural heritage.

The indigenous Costa Rican tribe Boruca (also called Brunka or Brunca) is known for its vibrant, intricately carved and painted masks. But behind the mask is a community built on rich and unequalled customs, foods, festivals, traditions and more.

Every year, the Boruca people in south-central Costa Rica put on elaborate carved masks and enact a centuries-old ritual representing the clash between their indigenous ancestors and the invading Spaniards.

Jan 28, 2025 · Throughout Costa Rica’s lush landscapes, vividly painted balsa wood masks catch the eye of travelers in souvenir shops and local markets. Behind their bright colors and smiling faces lies a centuries-old tradition shaped by Indigenous resilience and historic conflict.

The ecological, or cultural mask, incorporates both the traditional design and more artistic representations of the ecology of Boruca. Though less traditional, they are increasingly popular among tourists for their beauty and symbolism of a native in harmony with nature.

Feb 13, 2018 · The Brunca people tell the story that during the Spanish conquest, their masks played an important role in keeping the invaders away from their village of Boruca in Costa Rica. Masks depicting animals or nature spirits were used to scare the Spanish, who then called the natives “diablitos” or little devils.

Authentic Boruca Masks Sot Quibi works directly with artists in Boruca, Costa Rica to bring their indigenous artwork to Guanacaste and worldwide. Each piece is hand-carved, hand-painted, and signed by the artists.