Chorotega Ceramic Ecomuseum in San Vicente de Nicoya, Costa Rica travel
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The Chorotegas were the largest pre-Columbian ethnic group in the Republic of Costa Rica and have their origins in Mesoamerica. Today, a small part of the Chorotega people survive in the northwest of the country.
Chorotega ceramics, which reached their splendor in the pre-Columbian period, were made mainly by women and their decoration, mostly in red and black, is based on zoomorphic motifs such as snakes, crocodiles, monkeys and jaguars. Although with the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century it went into decline until it almost disappeared, the cultural heritage of this art has managed to stay alive, passing from generation to generation, until today.
In order to rescue the history, elaboration and designs of this type of pottery, the Ecomuseum of Chorotega Ceramics in Nicoya inaugurates its permanent exhibition in 2017. This new room is the result of several years of participatory work on oral history, design and museographic assembly, all carried out by the same community, with the support and advice of the Regional Museums Program of the National Museum of Costa Rica (MNCR) and the Network of Community Museums of America. In addition, during the last year, there were contributions from the National Development Plan for training and assembly.
This project is part of the continental movement of community museums, which defend the conservation and management of local historical memory and cultural heritage, from their own forms of organization and for the benefit of the community.
The Chorotega Ceramic Ecomuseum was born in 1992 as an idea of the neighbors with the aim of rescuing and perpetuating the art and culture of the Chorotega ancestors. In 2003, construction of the building began thanks to the economic and human contribution of different national and international institutions, it is an open museum in which you can appreciate not only the ancestral art that they preserve, but also its customs, nature and its people.
On May 26, 2007, with great enthusiasm, the inauguration of the first stage of the Ecomuseum was held, which begins with a temporary exhibition of photographs of artisans, pre-Columbian replicas of the Chorotega indigenous people made by our expert artisans, contemporary designs and of the Huerta Chorotega. In addition, the visitor is given a talk about the history and a demonstration of the production process.
The Ecomuseum has remained in constant development since its opening in 2007. It is currently an important educational center not only for Saint Vincent, but also for the surrounding communities. We collaborate with the National Learning Institute (INA) in training on hydroponics, jewelry and local tourism, and with public universities we develop skills in English language skills and support for ceramic production.
Designation of Origin of Chorotega Ceramics
The towns of San Vicente and Guaitil in Guanacaste keep alive the ancient tradition of Chorotega ceramics. Today, together with the UCR School of Plastic Arts, they are working to implement a designation of origin seal that guarantees their ceramic production.
21 апр 2024
