Brunka Tradition

The Boruca (also known as the Brunca or the Brunka) are the indigenous people living in Costa Rica. The tribe has about 2,660 members, most living on a reservation in the Puntarenas Province in southwestern Costa Rica, a few miles away from the Pan-American Highway following the Rio Terraba. The ancestors of the modern Boruca made up a group of chiefdoms that ruled most of Costa Rica's Pacific coast, from Quepos to what is now the Panamanian border, including the Osa Peninsula. Boruca traditionally spoke the Boruca language, which is now nearly extinct.

Like their ancestors the Boruca are known for their art and craftwork, especially weaving and their distinctive painted balsa wood masks, which have become popular decorative items among Costa Ricans and tourists. These masks are important elements in the Borucas' annual Danza de los Diablitos ceremony, celebrated every winter since at leastyea colonial times. The Danza depicts the resistance of the "Diablito", representing the Boruca people, against the Spanish conquistadors.Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boruca

The Boruca (also known as the Brunca or the Brunka) are best known for their handcrafted masks that are used during the Juego de los Diablitos (The Dance of the Little Devils) festival, the traditional New Years celebration. Masks generally fall into three categories: a representation of the devil, the ecological devil, and a depiction of ecological scenery. The masks portraying the devil are the most relevant to Brunca culture—although they may seem frightening or sinister to an outsider, the Brunca view these masks as a symbol of wellbeing and believe that they serve as protection from evil spirits. Similarly, in some ecological masks, the devil is portrayed in combination with nature; the devil represents protection of the ecological system, particularly the animals surrounding the village. The ecological masks cater more toward tourists and typically feature landscapes, plants, and animals. Mask making has traditionally been a male trade; however, the process often includes both sexes—men carving and women painting. Recently, women have entered into the mask carving trade: as of 2010 there are approximately five women in the community carving masks. 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boruca

 Other crafts and works of art are less common, but still contribute to community's economy. The majority of textile workers are women. The use of thread, tinted with natural dyes is common in producing items such as bags, scarves, blankets, and wallets. The Brunca are the only indigenous group in Costa Rica that weave, although only in small amounts (Stone 1949: 17). Daggers or puñales are sold as decorative objects, but carry historical reference to past chiefs or caciques. Often adorned with nene beads, pejibaye seeds, thread, and feathers of birds (namely toucans), these puñales were used to capture game. 

 The Brunca use a variety of plant species, as well as a mollusk as sources of natural dyes for their textiles. Sacatinta (Justicia spicigera) releases a navy blue dye when boiled in water for several days. Sacatinta leaves also release a greenish blue dye when burned in the fire, then placed in cold water, and lastly rubbed together. Teca (Tectona grandis) produces a red dye when the leaves are wet and then rubbed together. Also, the rhizomes of the Yuquilla plant (Curcuma longa) can be smashed and rubbed together to form a yellow dye, which can become fixed and more vibrant with the addition of lime. A paste made from the Achiote fruit (Bixa orellana) forms an orange dye. Furthermore, the bark of the Nance tree (Byrsonima crassifolia) can be soaked in water to release a dark reddish-brown dye. Finally, one more important plant for dying purposes is known as tuyska in the Brunca language, but its scientific name is unknown. Its vibrant  purple dye is released in the same way as Sacatinta: by boiling the leaves for several days.  

Tamales can be prepared using rice, corn, or beans. All three types are considered special and served only at specific occasions, such as birthdays and when guests come to Boruca. The rice tamale is made by mixing uncooked rice with salt and oil. This compound can also be seasoned with chili, onion, ayote, or additional salt. Once finished, the rice is placed on a bijagua leaf, followed by pork and a final layer of rice. The leaf is then folded around the rice and pork and tied. The dish must cook for at least six hours. The corn variant is prepared in the same way, except that corn is used instead of rice and must only be cooked for one hour. The bean version can be made in the same manner but uses mashed beans instead of corn. The rice is most common.

Carne ahumada is a traditional dish that is still consumed regularly today. It is prepared by seasoning pork with salt, onions, and garlic and smoking it in the fire for at least one hour. The longer the pork is smoked for the longer it can last without refrigeration.

Palmito (heart of palm) is served only at special ceremonies and parties. It is first cut from the heart of its tree, which grows in the mountains. It is then cut up and mixed with sweet chili and ayote. Finally, it is cooked with a small amount of salt water and served as a vegetarian dish.

Zapito is usually served during weeklong funeral ceremonies for deceased community members. It is prepared by mixing corn and water and then grinding with a coconut. This compound is combined with water and sugar. The final product is used as a topping.

Chocado is not reserved for any particular event. It is made by taking ripened bananas and grinding them with a special tool. This utensil has five edges and is made from a tree that only grows in the mountains.

Chicha is the most common traditional drink. It is offered at special occasions, such as the arrival of esteemed guests to the community or the ceremony of the diablitos. It is made by grinding corn sprouts into meal. After sifting out the grains, water and sugar are added. Yeast is then added to the liquid and left to ferment for a couple of days.

Santos carving the masks out of Balsa wood, this wood is light and relatively soft, one tree is ready for harvest in about 3 to 4 years. 

Cuasrán (in the Brunka language , " man of legendary figure "), sometimes written Kuasram , is a mythological character and cultural hero of the Boruca people of southeastern Costa Rica . According to Boruca legends, it lives in a mountain called Cerro Volcán or Casa de Cuasrán, near the Boruca community, in the Díquis Valley ( Grande de Térraba River ), in the canton of Buenos Aires in the Puntarenas province . The indigenous people of Boruca say that Cuasrán was a brave indigenous leader who, at the time of the conquest of Costa RicaFor the Spaniards, he did not want his people to be baptized to the new religion of the conquerors, which is why he escaped with his family and his animals, and hid in that mountain. Over the years, the figure of Cuasrán became that of an all-powerful character whom the Boruca people of today still venerate, taking him as their protector. For the Borucas, the mountain and the natural region that surrounds it are sacred sites. Along with the elaboration of handicrafts using traditional techniques and the festival known as the game of the devils , the belief in Cuasrán is one of the three most significant elements of the identity of the Boruca people.

Source : https://second.wiki/wiki/cuasrc3a1n