Traditionally, and for generations, mask making has been a male dominated activity. Because only Borucan men are allowed to become “warriors” in their ceremony, only men carve masks to wear.

Women fill a supportive role during the festivities. They may help husbands and sons with their costumes, make tamales and other traditional foods, and of course chicha (a corn brew), but do not have the need to dress up. The rest of the time, you might find women making jicara crafts or textiles for which they grow cotton, hand-spoon, color dye or weave it.

Only very recently, some women in Boruca have become interested in painting masks but it is still rare to see one carving. Learn more about the work of three emerging female artists Rosa, Sugey and Loly