Tag: Boruca

From my earlier post, all of the wood and palma was gathered then the structure of the rancho was put into place. The GCELE students helped to finish the palma just as the sun went down.

The Global Citizenship and Equity Learning Experience group arrived yesterday and the first person I saw was Tetiana, an Event Management student assigned to me by STAMP (Student Transition and Mentor Program) which made it hard for me to hold back my emotions. The group’s arrival for this significant project was long anticipated and it’s a big reminder of home to have fellow students here in Boruca, even if it’s just for 5 days. More to come…

At the community museum

Lourdes’ welcome

Pranay, Steven and Lloyd making the hike up to the rancho

Annisa giving her safety speech before work began

Me and Tetiana

L to R: Lloyd, Wen, Tetiana and Pranay

It’s a very exciting day because 7 Centennial students on their Global Citizenship and Equity Learning Experience (GCELE) trip are arriving to help build a traditional rancho that will be the new Cultural Centre in Boruca. Here are pictures of all the work in preparation for the construction from this past week. I will post more of the GCELE group as the build progresses.

A rope is tied around the top of the tree to make sure it doesn’t fall the wrong way

Harol and Chico carrying a tree down the mountain to the truck

Unloading everything back at So Cagru

All the bark is cut off with a machete to prevent bugs from eating the wood.

The method to check if things are level is nivel con agua

In the past, weaving was the means for women to make their own but now bags for cellphones and other small items are used by everyone in the community. There are also belts and even cute backpacks. These are the steps to a very special and traditional art here in Boruca.

Step 1: Pick the cotton from the trees. There are two natural colours, white and brown.

Step 2: Clean the cotton then spin it into yarn using a tool called hilar. The trick is to always keep the hilar “dancing”.

Step 3: Dye the cotton with all natural colours from plants, trees and snails.

Step 4: Create the desired pattern with a loom called urdidor.

Step 5: Begin the process of weaving.

On top of the display case is the headband/armband I made. I just got the hang of it as I finished. It reminds me of my mom sewing and wish I could do more of it. Visitors to Boruca can get a demonstration from Marciana or try weaving themselves.