Indigenous Territories
of Costa Rica
at The Ark
For one special day only, representatives from 6 Indigenous territories of Costa Rica will gather to share their traditions, wisdom, art, music, ceremonies & ancestral knowledge.
All workshops are by donation
A Rare Opportunity
Connect with the history, culture, and living heritage of the native communities of Costa Rica — all in one place. This gathering is a unique chance to learn directly from the Ngäbe Buglé, Bribri, Maleku, Cabécar, Chorotega, and Boruca peoples through hands-on workshops, storytelling, and ancestral practices.
Workshops & Talks
Immerse yourself in hands-on learning and profound storytelling. All workshops are by donation.
History of Their Lands
Zeidy Brukwä Rodríguez, a woman from the Ngäbe Buglé People of the Conte Burica Indigenous Territory, will share the work led by the Indigenous movement focused on the defense of collective rights, autonomy, land recovery, and the protection of spirituality. She will also speak about the main concerns and challenges currently faced by Indigenous Peoples in Costa Rica.
Worldview & Spirituality of Agriculture
This workshop offers an intimate introduction to Bribri cosmology and the spiritual principles that guide their traditional agricultural practices. Participants gain insight into the deep relationship with land, ritual, moon cycles and harvesting practices.
Weaving Chacara Workshop
Participants learn the intricate technique of weaving chácara bags using locally sourced natural fibres. The workshop highlights the cultural significance, functionality, and sustainability embedded in this traditional craft.
General Overview of Maleku
This workshop offers an introduction to the history, traditions, and worldview of the Maleku people, one of Costa Rica’s smallest indigenous communities. Through storytelling and cultural sharing, participants gain insight into the community’s resilience and their deep relationship with the rainforest, rivers, language, and spiritual practices.
Cacao Workshop: Clan Medicine
This workshop explores the sacred role of cacao within Cabécar culture as a plant medicine, source of nourishment, and spiritual connector between generations. Participants will learn about traditional preparation methods, ancestral teachings, and the cultural significance of cacao within clan and community life.
Ceramics Musical Instruments Workshop
Participants are introduced to the ancestral pottery traditions of the Chorotega people through a hands-on clay workshop guided by local artisans. Using traditional techniques, each participant will craft a small ceremonial whistle inspired by ancient indigenous designs and cultural symbolism.
Traditional Mask Making Workshop
This workshop offers a live demonstration of the traditional mask-carving process, alongside an exploration of its cultural history and symbolic meaning for the Boruca people. Participants will also have the opportunity to paint their own mask with the guidance of a local artisan, creating a meaningful and authentic piece to take home.
The 6 Territories
Discover the unique heritage and wisdom each community brings to The Ark.
Ngäbe Buglé
Inhabiting territories across southern Costa Rica and Panamá, maintaining strong traditions in weaving, agriculture, and community life. Their culture reflects a close relationship with the land and the preservation of traditional crafts made from natural materials.
9 – 10 AM — History of Their Lands
10:30 AM – 12 PM — Weaving Chacara
Bribri
One of Costa Rica’s largest indigenous groups, primarily inhabiting the lush Caribbean regions of Talamanca. Their culture is deeply connected to spirituality, cacao traditions, and a profound respect for nature as a living, sacred system.
10 – 11 AM — Worldview & Spirituality of Agriculture
Maleku
Located in the northern rainforest region of Costa Rica near the San Carlos area. The Maleku people are known for their vibrant oral traditions, spiritual worldview, and deep ecological knowledge connected to rivers, forests, and wildlife.
11 AM – 12 PM — General Overview of Maleku
Cabécar
Living within the mountainous regions of Talamanca, they preserve one of the most traditional indigenous ways of life in Costa Rica. Their knowledge of medicinal plants, ancestral governance, and spiritual connection to the forest remains central.
1 – 2:30 PM — Cacao Workshop: Clan Medicine
Chorotega
Originating from the Nicoya Peninsula and widely recognized for rich ceramic traditions passed down through generations. Their ancestral practices, artistic symbolism, and connection to the dry tropical landscape continue to shape their identity.
1 – 2:30 PM — Ceramics Musical Instruments
Boruca
Located in the southern Pacific region, renowned for vibrant artistic traditions, particularly the famous hand-carved masks used in the Juego de los Diablitos festival. They preserve storytelling and craftsmanship as expressions of cultural resilience.
2:30 – 4 PM — Traditional Mask Making Workshop