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About Ngäbes
The Ngäbes or Guaymíes are known for their vibrant artwork, including beads, rattles, mastates (tree bark treated to create fabric for painting), and hats. Their traditional dresses, called naguas, are handmade by women and adorned with colorful geometric appliqués inspired by nature, particularly snake colors.
Passed down through generations, these cultural practices, including dressmaking and handicrafts, are essential to Ngäbe identity and heritage. Men in the community preserve customs like hat-making, religious teachings, and traditional medicine education.
These traditions not only strengthen Ngäbe culture but also provide economic opportunities, contributing to family and communal incomes. Dr. Pablo Ortiz Rosés, who has worked extensively with the Ngäbe community, highlights that Ngäbe handicrafts are practical tools for daily life, not just decorations.
Ngäbe artistry involves creativity and technical complexity, with each design being unique and deeply rooted in a worldview of care and respect for nature. The University of Costa Rica plays a crucial role in recognizing and preserving Ngäbe cultural heritage, promoting cultural diversity and heritage rescue among indigenous communities.
Despite facing cultural penetration, the Ngäbe people have preserved their culture and connection to nature. However, safeguarding Ngäbe cultural heritage requires developing a national policy to guide institutional work, fostering dialogue, active listening, and mutual learning.
Information obtained from: Carmona, T. (2024, January 2). "Etnia ngäbe, guardianes de un patrimonio
cultural vivo y en transformación" UCR.
Location
Southern region of Costa Rica and western Panama
Population
Around 3600
Main economic activities
Agriculture, fishing, craftmanship, and tourism
Language
Ngäbere
NÜRÜN JUTÄI
Nürün Jutäi, owned by Ngäbe artist María de Gracia Bejarano, is a family-run business offering traditional, handmade artwork and jewelry. María's artisanal skills were passed down from her mother and further taught by fellow community member, Ofelina.
María is the mother of three beautiful daughters. She envisions welcoming visitors to her home to share the richness of her culture, the beauty of her land, and her artisanal creations. By supporting Nürün Jutäi and purchasing crafts from María, you not only acquire unique pieces of Ngäbe artwork but also contribute directly to María's dream of providing a better life, education, and future for her daughters. Your involvement helps sustain Ngäbe traditions and ways of life while empowering María and her family to thrive. Reach out to María to plan a visit and immerse yourself in the warmth and creativity of Ngäbe culture firsthand.
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Location
Tel: +506 6204-0610
Pricing
*Contact for pricing*
Offers
Products
-Traditional handmade jewerly
-Wall art
-Stone carvings
-Ornaments
Tours
Join María on a 2 hour tour of her land to view waterfalls and learn about the history of the Ngäbe. Lunch is included!
Jidigaregco Njonigcode
As a traveler, it's always exciting to explore different cultures, traditions, and customs. And what better way to do that than by immersing yourself in the local way of life? If you're looking for an authentic Ngäbe experience, then look no further than the Ngäbe tour.
The Ngäbe tour is a one-of-a-kind experience that will take you deep into the heart of Ngäbe culture. You'll get to learn about their way of life, participate in traditional activities, and taste some of their delicious food. Here's a sneak peek of what the tour has to offer:
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Chacra Class:
The Chacra class is a hands-on experience that will teach you the Ngäbe of creating chacras!
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"Tapa Rabo" Class:
The "Tapa Rabo" class is a must-do activity for anyone interested in Ngäbe culture. You'll get to learn how to make a traditional Ngäbe clothing.
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Traditional Ngäbe Dress-Making Class:
The Ngäbe people are known for their vibrant and colorful clothing. In this class, you'll get to learn how to make a traditional Ngäbe dress. You'll learn about the different materials used, the various designs, and the cultural significance of each piece.
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Cultural Representation:
One of the highlights of the Ngäbe tour is the cultural representation. This is a unique experience that will allow you to witness a traditional Ngäbe ceremony. We enjoyed the cultural representation very much and had a great time.
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Snack:
After all that learning and participating, it's time for a snack break! You'll get to taste some of the Ngäbe's traditional snacks, which include fruits and other local delicacies.
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Lunch:
And last but not least, it's time for lunch. You have two options to choose from:
Option 1: Cultural lunch - This is a chance to taste the authentic Ngäbe cuisine. You'll get to try fish covered in leaves, bananas, digestible flowers, and digestible leaves. This is a great opportunity to taste their unique flavors.
Option 2: Costa Rica Casado - This is a traditional Costa Rican dish that includes rice, beans, salad, and your choice of meat. It's a great option for those who want to try something different.
In conclusion, the Ngäbe tour is a great way to experience Ngäbe culture firsthand. You'll get to learn about their traditions, participate in their activities, and taste their delicious food. It's an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in a different way of life. So why not give it a try? You won't regret it!
Traditional Ngäbe dress
Contact information
Tour price
₡28 000 (around $56) per person
Includes
-Chacra class
-"Tapa rabo" class
-Traditional Ngäbe dress-making class
-Traditional ceremony
-Snack
-Lunch (choose 1 of the 2 options):
1. Cultural lunch: indigenous food (fish covered in leaves, bananas, digestible flowers, and digestible leaves).
2. Costa Rica casado.
Paying options
Cash
SINPE móvil: 8307-1794
Tour location
Traditional chacra