Baruca mask

Here is a close up photo of a Baruca mask. You can see that it is a busy and brightly colored collection of tropical images, with birds, leaves, branches, flowers, with a face at the bottom.

Similar to the evolution of Navajo rugs, which changed in style and color to appeal to the tastes of consumers, I am sure that these masks are made so that tourists will have pleasant memories of their Costa Rica vacations. Despite the changes from whatever was the indigenous traditions from several hundred years ago, it is important to continue the indigenous arts and crafts.

Costa Rica does not have as much of an influence of indigenous cultures as some other places in Latin America, such as Mexico or Peru. Sadly, the almost all of the indigenous population did not survive the Spanish colonial era. During the second half of the 20th Century, however, Costa Rica did pass several laws to set aside land and to help preserve the small pockets of indigenous people.

Closer to Tamarindo, the Chorotega pottery that I have shown in the past is the primary indigenous artistic tradition that remains.

This week we have photos from one of our favorite places, Bellagio, Italy, on on our Viva la Voyage travel photo site. We are featuring the gardens of the Villa Melzi. I encourage you to take a look. You will see why a Vegas Casino borrowed the name Bellagio.