Costa Rica's Indigenous

from Howler Costa Rica July 2023

Howler Costa Rica Magazine July 2023

Crucial

Despite the fact that Costa Rica is an incredibly diverse nation, like in many parts of the world, indigenous communities are at risk of losing their cultural identities due to colonization, urbanization, and globalization. Therefore, it is crucial to know, understand and recognize these indigenous tribes, acknowledging their remarkable survival while committed to keeping their heritage alive for future generations.

A global concern

Indigenous people everywhere are a world treasure. We need to learn from their cultures and embrace their historical value.

Protecting indigenous tribes is essential due to their unique communities and vital components of cultural diversity. Despite being overlooked and discriminated against throughout history, indigenous tribes possess rich cultures, traditions, and experiences that are unparalleled.

Developed over many centuries, their language, beliefs, arts and customs are remarkable and valuable to the history and cultural heritage of humanity.

Unfortunately, indigenous people have been subject to marginalization, oppression and violence throughout history, leading to many tribes being endangered. Therefore, protecting all indigenous tribes and their cultures is critical to ensure that their voices are heard, their traditions are recognized, and their future is secure

In recent years many governments around the world have passed laws to protect their indigenous people. This is the case in Costa Rica, which is home to eight distinct indigenous groups who contribute to the country’s rich cultural diversity.

These indigenous tribes have always been an essential part of Costa Rican society and are recognized for their customs, traditions, language, and heritage. Below is an overview of these national treasures.

The Cabécar, also known as “the mountain people,” belong to one of the most recognized indigenous communities in Costa Rica, located in the south-central region of the country. The Cabécar are known for their traditional practices in agriculture, herbal medicine, and spirituality, which are still vital today. Although they are recognized as the largest indigenous tribe, the Cabécar people have also faced discrimination, mistreatment and marginalization from society, and have fought for their rights in the past.

The Huetars are known for their intricate stone carvings and sculptures. According to historical accounts, they were skilled in agriculture and had a complex social hierarchy. Despite their advanced culture, the Huetars were eventually conquered by Spanish colonizers in the 16th century. Today, their legacy lives on through their art and the few remaining descendants of this once-great civilization.

The Bribris are officially recognized as the oldest group of indigenous people in Costa Rica. They live in the Talamanca region, in the mountains and Caribbean coastal areas of Costa Rica and northern Panama.

The Bribris are known for their traditional medicine practices, which involve using natural resources from the rainforest to heal ailments. They are also renowned for their handicrafts, including making masks used for their traditional dances and lifestyle.

They believe that the earth and nature provide everything that they need, and as such, they consider the environment to be a central part of their spirituality and religion.

Challenges faced by the Bribris include deforestation, loss of land and encroachment of modern civilization on their way of life.

Click here for more:

• Borucas

• Maleku

• Chorotegas

• Teribas

• Guaymis

→ Survival is critically important

→ What can we learn from these groups?