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