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About Térrabas

The Térrabas, or Teribes, are an indigenous group from the southern region of Puntarenas. They occupy around 9,000 hectares next to the Térraba River and have survived by farming the land for centuries. The community consists of approximately 600 natives whose ancestors were the Incas. The Indigenous Cultural Association Teribe works to rescue, strengthen, and promote Térraba culture, its traditions, identity, nature, and spirituality.


Unlike many communities worldwide, Térraba is matriarchal. Women are equal to men, and in some cases, even more valued. They possess extensive knowledge of agriculture, medicinal plants, and providing food for their families, passing this information down through the generations.


The Térraba community's agriculture sustains the local economy, producing enough food for the entire population. In this fertile land, they cultivate rice, beans, oranges, mangoes, cassava, coconuts, coffee, bananas, corn, cocoa, and more. Their ability to produce their own food directly contributes to the lack of poverty in the community. Agricultural production extends beyond food, as the community has maintained knowledge of medicinal plants passed down for centuries.


Only a few community members speak the traditional Teribe language. However, efforts to reclaim it are underway, thanks to support from the Teribes of Panama, a colony that shares their culture and history with those of Costa Rica. The Teribes of Panama are assisting the Térrabas of Costa Rica, sending a language teacher to instruct at the school.

Despite centuries of Spanish occupation and Catholic influence, the Térraba indigenous people have preserved their spirituality, traditions, and connection to the Earth. They don't adhere to a specific religion but are deeply spiritual, with a strong bond to Mother Earth and the Térraba River. The river holds profound spiritual significance, with numerous legends and traditions surrounding it.

Location

Southern region of Puntarenas

Population

Around 600

Main economic activities

Agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and tourism

Language

Teribe

The Power of Women in Térraba - a Matriarchal Community

Our experience at
El Descanso Inn

Located in Térraba, Costa Rica, El Descanso Inn offers a serene retreat amidst lush greenery and vibrant culture. This charming inn provides a tranquil escape for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich history and natural beauty of the region.

The inn boasts cozy accommodations that blend traditional charm with modern comforts, providing guests with a welcoming home away from home. Each room is thoughtfully appointed with rustic furnishings and local artwork, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

One of the highlights of El Descanso Inn is that it has a remarkable piece of history: a petroglyph believed to be over 500 years old. This ancient rock carving, located within the inn's grounds, serves as a fascinating glimpse into the indigenous heritage of the area. Guests can explore this cultural treasure and marvel at the intricate designs etched into the stone, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the ancient traditions of the Térraba people.

In addition to its historical significance, El Descanso Inn offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for guests. From a tranquil courtyard garden to delicious local cuisine served at the onsite restaurant, every aspect of the inn is designed to provide a relaxing and authentic experience.

Whether you're seeking adventure in the surrounding natural landscapes or simply looking to unwind in a peaceful setting, El Descanso Inn offers the perfect base for exploring all that Térraba has to offer. With its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, this hidden gem invites travelers to discover the enchanting spirit of Costa Rica's southern region.

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Location

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El Descanso Inn Location

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Arvaanca

If you're staying at El Descanso Inn, you should check out Arvaanca, a Térraba family-owned art shop located right next to it.

Arvaanca is a unique space that showcases the beauty and richness of Térraba culture through their stunning collection of native Terraban masks. Each mask is handcrafted and tells a story, making them not only beautiful works of art but also precious cultural artifacts.

The shop is run by Lucrecia Riviera Villanueva, a member of the Térraba community who is passionate about preserving her people's heritage. She takes great pride in the work her family does to create these beautiful masks, which have been passed down from generation to generation.

When you visit Arvaanca, you'll be transported to a world of colorful, intricate designs and patterns. The masks are made from a variety of materials, including wood, clay, and feathers, and each one is unique in its own way. Some masks are used for ceremonial purposes, while others are meant for decoration.

One of the most interesting parts of visiting Arvaanca is learning about the symbolism behind each mask. For example, some masks represent animals that are important to the Térraba people, such as jaguars and monkeys. Others depict important figures from Térraba mythology, such as Sibö.

In addition to being a beautiful display of Térraba art, Arvaanca is also a great way to support the local community. By purchasing a mask from the shop, you're not only taking home a beautiful piece of art but also helping to support the Térraba people and their traditions.

If you're interested in visiting Arvaanca, you can reach out to Lucrecia Riviera Villanueva via email at riveravillanuevalucrecia@gmail.com or by phone at +506 8924-3646. She would be happy to answer any questions you have about the shop or the masks themselves.

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Keylor Navas is a Térraba

Keylor Navas, the renowned goalkeeper is a proud member of the Térraba indigenous community. Descended from the Navas lineage, one of the twelve original families of the Térraba territory in the southern region of the country, Navas embodies the rich cultural heritage of his people. His ancestors, including Francisco, Juan de Dios, and Adelaida Navas, have contributed to the legacy of the Térraba community for generations.

The recent unveiling of the first database of the Térraba ethnicity by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) sheds light on the importance of recognizing and preserving indigenous identities. Led by Rodolfo Villalobos, the TSE's Coordinator of Regional Offices and Indigenous Affairs Advisor, this initiative aims to provide clarity on who belongs to the Térraba community.

Through extensive consultations with community elders and rigorous genealogical research, the TSE has identified criteria for determining Térraba ancestry. This includes being a direct descendant of recognized Térraba lineages and having a proven connection to the community's ancestral lands.

The database, which includes over 5,500 individuals, distinguishes between pure Térraba descendants and those who have married into the community. This distinction ensures that individuals can access benefits and exercise their rights as members of the Térraba ethnicity.

As the TSE prepares to share this information with the Térraba community, it underscores the importance of ensuring that all eligible individuals are included in the database. By providing clarity on Térraba identity, this initiative seeks to empower community members and uphold their rights for generations to come.

Source: Méndez, A. (2015, December 8). "Portero del Real Madrid es un Indígena Térraba". Diario Extra

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