Monday, February 14, 2011

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.

9 comments:

Kate said...

Dave, this mask is marvelous...so colourful! I a very happy that you supplied a close-up. Were you able to try any of these on...were they wearable. This one looks like it could be very top heavy.

Kate said...

PS. I still cannot get into Julie's comment section on her posts.

brattcat said...

The many faces of art...this is a beauty. Dave, thanks for your stories and comments over these past week. That was some ski accident you had, mister.

Sharon said...

There is a lot going on in this mask. I had to study it carefully to see all the detail. Very beautiful and very colorful.

Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.com said...

very tropical

Judy said...

The carving is wonderful! I've never seen one so bright and with so many things to look at.

You are right, the dog in my post today is a King Charles Spaniel. We have had him since last August when we found him at a rescue group. He is adorable.

Margaret said...

The locals really have quite a talent, artistically! I also love their carts (wheels). When I see something like this, I always way to put it on a fabric design.

Jack said...

Thanks for providing a closer image for us to study, Dave. It is kind of a salad of bright and colorful images. I hope they do well with the tourists. This is not a country where I have any knowledge or experience.

Stefan Jansson said...

Never seen that type of mask before. Beautiful.

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