Original Boruca Native Tucano Keyholder - CR

The second is the 'ecologica', featuring animals and plants of the rainforest. These were originated by a new generation of artists concerned about the imminent threat of their culture due to the destruction of their environment. The third, 'combinados', are the metamorphosis of both the 'diablitos' and the 'ecologica', as they represent the blending of the traditional and contemporary styles.

The history and traditions of Borucan masks began over 500 years ago, during  the Spanish Conquest. 'Diablito' masks, or little devil masks were  created and worn with the intent to scare the unwelcome invaders back to Spain. The conquistadors called the indigenous Borucans devils because they observed uncircumsized natives with faces of forbidding devilish images  and other animal figures, therefore assumed that they worshipped the devil. The Borucan people feel a great sense of pride knowing that they were triumphant in keeping the Spanish from conquering their land and their spirit. Every year the annual 'Fiesta de los Diablitos' or 'festival of the devils', always December 30 to January 2, has traditionally occurred since the Spanish crusade of 1490-1500.