Artist Bio
Boruca Artists & Peche Gonzalez Lazaro
The Boruca: A Living Tradition of Art, Culture & Storytelling
The Boruca: A Living Tradition of Art, Culture & Storytelling
The Boruca (also known as the Brunka) are one of Costa Rica’s eight Indigenous peoples and are internationally celebrated for their extraordinary hand-carved masks and handwoven textiles. Living in the mountains of Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific region, the Boruca have preserved their language, customs, artistic traditions, and cultural identity for centuries despite colonization and the passage of time.
Each authentic Boruca mask is individually carved from locally sourced balsa or cedar and meticulously hand-painted by the artist. While the iconic Diablito masks commemorate the Boruca people’s resistance during the annual Juego de los Diablitos (Dance of the Little Devils), many contemporary artists also create breathtaking wildlife and nature-inspired carvings inspired by Costa Rica’s extraordinary biodiversity. Every piece is handcrafted, signed by its artist, and tells a story passed down through generations.
Among the most influential artists in preserving and sharing this tradition was Marina González Lázaro, a beloved Boruca master artisan whose work and dedication helped introduce the rich artistic heritage of her people to collectors around the world. Marina, who sadly passed away in 2025, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that lives on through her family, her students, and the many talented artists of the Boruca community.
Today, Galeria 1084 is honored to work directly with Chepe “Peche” González Lázaro, Marina’s son, and the talented Boruca artists and families he represents within the village. These long-standing relationships ensure that every piece is authentic and that each purchase directly supports the artists while helping preserve the traditions, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage of the Boruca people for future generations.
Continuing a Tradition
More than thirty years ago, artist and conservationist Susan “Susie” Atkinson recognized that reaching the remote Boruca village was not always easy for visitors exploring Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific region. Through her close friendship with Marina González Lázaro, she began exhibiting authentic Boruca artwork at Pacific Edge Eco Lodge, creating one of the first galleries outside the village dedicated to representing Boruca artists.
What began as a small gallery soon became an important bridge between the Boruca community and travelers from around the world. Guests staying at Pacific Edge could learn about the Boruca people, discover the stories behind each carving, and purchase authentic artwork directly connected to the artists themselves—helping support Boruca families while introducing their remarkable culture to an international audience.
When artist Michaelynn Vandiver purchased Pacific Edge Eco Lodge, she embraced the responsibility of continuing the relationships Susie had cultivated over more than three decades. Later, as co-owner of Galeria 1084, Michaelynn expanded that mission beyond Pacific Edge, ensuring that the Boruca Gallery and its long-standing partnerships would continue to thrive through direct collaboration with Chepe González Lázaro and the artists he represents.
Unlike mass-produced souvenirs, every Boruca carving at Galeria 1084 is handcrafted, signed by its artist, and acquired through relationships built on friendship, trust, respect, and fair trade. Each piece is more than a beautiful work of art—it is a living expression of resilience, identity, and one of Costa Rica’s most treasured Indigenous cultures.
We are honored to share these remarkable works with collectors from around the world and to play a small part in preserving the stories, artistry, and cultural legacy of the Boruca people for generations to come. https://www.borucacostarica.org for more information. If you would like to schedule a tour of the village you can reach out to pacificedgelodge@gmail.com or WhatsApp +1 305-753-6390
wood carving
Artist Statement
The Boruca: A Living Tradition of Art, Culture & Storytelling The Boruca (also known as the Brunka) are one of Costa Rica’s eight Indigenous peoples and are internationally celebrated for their extraordinary hand-carved masks and handwoven textiles. Nestled in the mountains of Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific region, the Boruca have preserved their language, customs, and artistic traditions for centuries despite colonization and cultural change. Each authentic Boruca mask is individually carved from locally sourced balsa or cedar and meticulously hand-painted by the artist. While the iconic Diablito masks commemorate the Boruca people’s resistance during the annual Juego de los Diablitos (Dance of the Little Devils), many contemporary artists also create breathtaking wildlife and nature-inspired carvings that celebrate Costa Rica’s remarkable biodiversity. Every piece is handcrafted, signed by its artist, and reflects generations of history, craftsmanship, and storytelling. A Legacy That Began at Pacific Edge Eco Lodge More than 30 years ago, artist and conservationist Susan “Susie” Atkinson established what became one of the first galleries in Costa Rica dedicated to exhibiting authentic Boruca artwork. Through decades of friendship and collaboration with master artisan Marina González Lázaro and her family, Pacific Edge Eco Lodge became a destination where visitors could experience the rich artistic traditions of the Boruca people while purchasing authentic artwork directly from the artists themselves. When artist Michaelynn Vandiver purchased Pacific Edge Eco Lodge, preserving that relationship with the Boruca community became an important part of its mission. The beloved Boruca Gallery and Gift Shop continued to thrive, honoring the friendships and traditions established by Susie while ensuring that Boruca artists and their families remained at the heart of the gallery. Today, that legacy continues at Galeria 1084, co-founded by Michaelynn Vandiver and fellow resident artists. Building upon the foundation of the original Boruca Gallery at Pacific Edge Eco Lodge, Galeria 1084 proudly works directly with Chepe “Peche” González Lázaro, son of master artisan Marina González Lázaro, along with the talented Boruca artists and families he represents within the village. These enduring relationships—built over more than three decades—allow the gallery to offer authentic Indigenous artwork while directly supporting the artists, their families, and the preservation of Boruca culture for future generations. Unlike mass-produced souvenirs, every Boruca carving at Galeria 1084 is handcrafted, signed by its artist, and acquired through long-standing relationships founded on trust, respect, and fair trade. Each mask is more than a beautiful work of art—it is a living expression of resilience, heritage, and identity. We are honored to share these remarkable works with collectors from around the world, preserving not only the artistry of the Boruca people, but also the stories, traditions, and cultural legacy that continue to inspire generations throughout Costa Rica and beyond.
