The traditional craft
The pre-Columbian handicraft is the one that has known how to cross the ages and especially the colonization. This ancestral craft is found in the indigenous cultures of the country. It is in general a legacy from the ancestors who originally populated the region. Divided into thirteen different communities, the indigenous populations have kept their cultural beliefs and traditions alive through the creation of different handicrafts. Sold to foreign or national tourists, these objects are excellent pretexts for the transmission of manual practices through generations and authentic expressions of peoples that endure. Decorative, religious or functional, all these objects are made from natural local raw materials and are often made by women, in the heart of small matriarchal communities.
For an absolutely unique souvenir, opt for the Boruca masks that come from the indigenous tribe of the same name. Originally from the Talamanca mountains, in the southwest of the country and bordering Panama, the Borucas have been creating colorful masks since the early days of colonization: they began making these masks and wearing them to scare off the Spanish conquistadors. As a tribe of undefeated warriors, the Borucas carve the masks out of balsa wood or mahogany. Once carved and sculpted, the masks pass into the hands of painters. They use turmeric roots, achiote seeds or roucou to paint these true works of art carved by hand in high relief. Today, the traditional Boruca masks are the main source of income for the community. You will be seduced by their magnificent colors and their representations of animals as extraordinary as terrifying.
On theNicoya Peninsula, the descendants of the Chorotegas have made ceramics their trademark. Rich of a generational transmission and of a 5 000 years old know-how, the chorotega families often live from the manufacture of its ceramics. Almost all the families have a borno, a domed wood-fired kiln for firing objects and still use the same tools as their ancestors. The colors are 100% natural and come in part from rocks from the mountain. The ceramics still respond to certain pre-Columbian beliefs: with their totemic motifs often decorated with black, red and white on an ochre background, they receive shamanic blessings before being put on sale to the public. To get some, go to Boruca or Palmar Norte, you will have the embarrassment of the choice!
Woodworking: a local craft
The country has seven provinces, each with a particularity and several specificities. In Limon, the handicrafts are colorful, expressing the culture of the Caribbean region, while in Guanacaste, it is the work of leather, and in San Jose, it is the work of ceramics. The contemporary Costa Rican handicraft is the result of an incredible mixture of traditional knowledge and European, African and Caribbean influences. Symbol of a collective identity and culture, the craft is full of history. Woodworking is notably a reflection of a common value: the conservation of nature. Each object made from wood is very carefully controlled in order to fight against deforestation. The production sites are generally under the direction of women working in artisanal cooperatives. Apart from San Jose, where you can easily find many souvenir shops, Sarchí (about 30 kilometers from Alajuela) remains the village of wood craftsmanship par excellence. A veritable treasure trove of wooden carts, rocking chairs and reproductions of birds, as well as impressive collections of magnets, key ring mugs and ashtrays, all bearing the effigy of frogs, quetzals or morios. Here, wood is the basis of many objects: jewelry, utensils, masks or cartwheels. This last one, called the carrera, is one of the best examples of Costa Rican handicrafts: it is an ox cart, a tool that has become a typical example of the country's popular art. Emblematic, it was declared a National Symbol in 1988 and an Intangible Heritage by UNESCO. Artistic symbol of the country, this cart can be found especially in the craft center of the village of Sarchi. You can find it in many different formats, in miniature or in real size, and always decorated with bright colors. Don't miss to bring one back, especially since it is a unique decorative object!
Where to go shopping?
Costa Rica, with its mix of local cultures and external immigration, is a country of rich and varied crafts. Through the centuries, different skills have been developed and met, creating a unique culture. Many ancient and contemporary objects have an important role in the essence of each country. If you want to find some treasures during a shopping session, here are some good addresses. El Mercado Municipal de Artesanías de San José: located south of the Plaza de las Garantías, a few steps away from the huge social security building, this local handicraft market has some great finds, such as hammocks, paintings, wood carvings and masks.
For the gourmands
Some exotic flavors will seduce your taste buds, so why not simply bring back a culinary specialty? You can take advantage of a visit to a local plantation or market to buy traditional coffee or coffee liqueur. The choice is vast and there is something for everyone! Take home some chocolate, rum or Cacique (a local liqueur made from sugar cane). There is nothing better than a trip to the market to stock up on food: the Mercado Central, located on San José's main avenue, is the city's traditional market with its local flavors, while the Feria Verde, on the Barrio Amon side, offers a whole range of products from local agriculture and guaranteed 100% organic. Product quality guaranteed!
