Explore the natural wonders of the tropical rainforest as depicted on the handcrafted masks of the Indigenous artists of Boruca, Costa Rica, on view in the Museum of Botany & the Arts from January 7-22, 2023. The cultural practice of mask-making honors the heritage of the Borucan people and reflects the strong connection they maintain with their beautiful natural environment.
The hundreds of spectacular masks on display abound with plants and animals, often intertwined in complex compositions that heighten the dimensionality of the works. Integrated with the masks on the walls are colorful graphics, based on actual artist sketches, which highlight the common motifs of the orchid, butterfly, hummingbird, frog, sloth, jaguar, and warrior.
Bernardo González Morales
Mask Artist Painter – Boruca, Costa Rica
“I identify myself with the hummingbird and love displaying it in my work.”
Bernardo is a prolific artist who is often in high demand in his village. He sometimes carves his own pieces, but mostly spends his time collaborating with other artists who trade their carving skills for his painting.
Deiner Marato Lázaro
Mask Artist Painter – Boruca, Costa Rica
“I identify with the falcon because he likes to fly high and watch everything.”
Deiner enjoyed drawing in his youth and started painting masks as a teenager. He is fond of making ecological masks and especially enjoys painting hummingbirds and orchids. He envisions creating his own space one day to promote his art.
Domingo Rojas Morales
Mask Artist Painter – Boruca, Costa Rica
“I feel a connection with the shark, since it is an animal that is always active and likes to have a target.”
Domingo’s work has a distinctive and uplifting boldness. For three years he lived in Guanacaste, a tourist beach town, where he had the experience of managing his own gallery. This gave him a unique perspective on what it takes to promote his own art.
Emilio Granda Obando
Mask Artist Carver – Boruca, Costa Rica
“I identify myself with the crocodile because it is an animal that has managed to survive for a long time and is quite intelligent.”
Emilio has spent years perfecting his art and enjoys working in the company of other carvers at Taller BrĂşncrin. He is particularly fond of depicting birds and often goes to his favorite spot near the water to admire nature and get inspiration for his pieces.
Esteban Diaz Mora
Mask Artist Carver – Boruca, Costa Rica
“I have always loved toucans for their striking colors, singing, and diversity.”
Esteban began making masks at the age of 14, when he was taught the basics by his brother. After learning how to carve, Esteban started to draw and paint his own designs, which often incorporate the iconography of his ancestors.
Esteban Morales Lázaro
Mask Artist Carver – Boruca, Costa Rica
“I identify myself with the owl, because I like the night and I am also very observant and caring of my children.”
Esteban started carving when he was 16 years old and was taught this art by his older brother Omer and his uncle Germán. Esteban enjoys envisioning and designing his own original pieces and collaborates with several painters to make them really pop.
Francisco Morales González
Mask Artist Carver – Boruca, Costa Rica
“I really like snakes and identify with them. Walking through the ravine, it is common for me to encounter one or two different species.”
Francisco started carving masks while in high school and learned his distinctive style from his stepfather. Francisco does not consider himself a perfectionist, but he does take his time with each piece and give it those extra details and finishing touches that make it stand out.
Francisco Rojas Morales
Mask Artist Carver – Boruca, Costa Rica
“I am drawn to motmots because of their resplendent colors and because they are very, very calm.”
Francisco was one of the first students of Don Ismael, considered the father of the modern mask movement. Francisco has become an accomplished artist who designs, carves, and paints his masks himself, giving him complete freedom and control over the entire process.
Germán Morales Delgado
Mask Artist Carver – Boruca, Costa Rica
“I identify with the harpy eagle because it has a strong instinct and is also very loving.”
Germán started carving masks while in his teens. He has since perfected his craft and developed a style of his own. He loves flowers, including orchids, and enjoys the challenge of representing their delicacy and beauty, making them as lifelike as possible.
Loly MarĂa de los Santos
Jicara Figurine Artist Carver – Boruca, Costa Rica
“I have always identified with the Jaguar because it is a patient and constant animal.”
Loly has created a new art with the jicara fruit, which grow in trees around her village. She dries and boils the fruit for hours to cure and clean it. She then envisions her animal, carving the legs, head, and tail in balsa wood. Her grandson works alongside her as a painter, adding the color.
Luis Miguel Rojas Morales
Mask Artist Painter – Boruca, Costa Rica
“I feel close to owls due to their exceptional night vision, intelligence, and wisdom.”
Luis Miguel grew up in a family of artists and began painting as a teenager. He has developed a unique style and enjoys learning new techniques, enabling him to produce innovative designs with vibrant colors.
Marcos Rojas Morales
Mask Artist Painter – Boruca, Costa Rica
“I identify with the beetle, for though it is very small, it has the capacity to lift 100 times its own weight.”
Marcos is a master Borucan artist. He is passionate about his ancestral heritage and enjoys visiting archeological sites to gain inspiration for his art. He is a proud ambassador for Boruca and actively exhibits his work throughout Costa Rica.
NeftalĂ Rojas Morales
Mask Artist Painter – Boruca, Costa Rica
“I identify with the owl for the colors of its plumage, its intuition, wisdom, and ability to hear and see in the dark.”
NeftalĂ loved to paint as a child. He began studying mask making in 1998 and is now an accomplished painter. He enjoys painting his pieces with a natural and muted palette, and his lifelike details are astonishing.
Rosa Rojas Morales
Mask Artist Painter – Boruca, Costa Rica
“I identify myself with the morpho blue butterfly for its beauty, delicate nature, freedom, and metamorphosis process.”
Rosa is one of the few female mask artists in Boruca. She learned to paint from her artist brothers, with whom she now enjoys exchanging ideas and inspiration. Rosa currently divides her time between her art and a successful restaurant business.
Ruddy Gomez Morales
Mask Artist Carver – Boruca, Costa Rica
“I identify myself with the jaguar for its intelligence, patience, and caution.”
Ruddy is a young carver who eagerly learns new carving techniques. Most often, another artist will bring him a balsa wood log with a design drawn for him to carve. In return, the artist will paint one of Ruddy’s masks. These collaborations have led to new friendships.
Sugey Jimenez Acosta
Mask Artist Painter – Boruca, Costa Rica
“I identify myself with butterflies because, from a caterpillar, they become something beautiful and leave a legacy with their eggs for the future.“
Sugey began playing with paintbrushes at a young age, inspired by her godmother. After marrying Marcos in 2005, she quickly learned new techniques and fell in love with mask painting. Orchids are her specialty, and she enjoys replicating different varieties with intricate details.
Rainforest Masks of Costa Rica is produced in partnership with
