Boruca
Sign in to saveThe Boruca (also known as the Brunca or the Brunka) are an Indigenous people living in Costa Rica. The tribe has about 2,660 members, most living on a reservation in the Puntarenas Province in southwestern Costa Rica, a few miles away from the Pan-American Highway following the Rio Térraba. The ancestors of the modern Boruca made up a group of chiefdoms that ruled most of Costa Rica's Pacific coast, from Quepos to what is now the Panamanian border, including the Osa Peninsula. Boruca traditionally spoke the Boruca language, which is now nearly extinct.
Key facts
- Ethnic group.group
- Boruca
- Ethnic group.image
- 250px|center
- Ethnic group.caption
- Boruca people on a ferry crossing between Pavones and Golfito, by Arturo Sotillo, 2007
- Ethnic group.population
- 2,660 (1990)
- Ethnic group.popplace
- (Puntarenas)
- Ethnic group.langs
- Boruca, Spanish, Brunca Sign Language
- Ethnic group.related
- Bribri, Cabécar
via Wikipedia infobox
Article
27 sectionsContents
- History
- Location and geography
- Language
- Folklore
- Story of Quetzal
- Brunka
- Economy
- Traditional foods and drinks
- Tamales
- Carne ahumada
- Palmito
- Zapito
- Chocado
- Chicha
- Arts and crafts
- Natural dyes
- Traditional festivals
- Historical political structure
- Social and political structure
- Development Association (''Asociación de Desarollo'')
- Women's Organization (''La Asociación de Flor'')
- Local Catholic Parish
- Cultural Radio Station
- Additional community influences
- Volunteer presence
- Notes
- References
The Boruca (also known as the Brunca or the Brunka) are an Indigenous people living in Costa Rica. The tribe has about 2,660 members, most living on a reservation in the Puntarenas Province in southwestern Costa Rica, a few miles away from the Pan-American Highway following the Rio Térraba. The ancestors of the modern Boruca made up a group of chiefdoms that ruled most of Costa Rica's Pacific coast, from Quepos to what is now the Panamanian border, including the Osa Peninsula. Boruca traditionally spoke the Boruca language, which is now nearly extinct.
Like their ancestors the Boruca are known for their art and craftwork, especially weaving and their distinctive painted balsa wood masks, which have become popular decorative items among Costa Ricans and tourists. These masks are important elements in the Borucas' annual Danza de los Diablitos ceremony, celebrated every winter since at least colonial times. The Danza depicts the resistance of the "Diablito", representing the Boruca people, against the Spanish conquistadors.