The Costa Rica News (TCRN) – The gallery of Bellas Artes of the University of Costa Rica has an unusual art exhibit on display called Displaced Lives. It constitutes a provoking series of photographs that portray the everyday striving of small communities such as Ngäbe and Buglé, commonly named Guaymí, but better identified as Ngäbe Bugle. Ngäbe and Buglé are two of the nine different Indian tribes that inhabit 24 Costa Rican territories and which constitute a valuable cultural heritage from the past.
They are originally from Panama, but in the 20th Century they migrated to Costa Rica and since then there have been other large migratory movements, resulting today in a total population of 200,000 people. Its nomadic nature permits them to work the land of different landowners of coffee and banana plantations, as well as in small livestock activity. The other Indian Tribes found in Costa Rica have settled in small towns of the Central Valley, San Vito, Coto Brus, Altos de San Antonio and Abrojos in Montezuma . Although they live in complete harmony with nature, they have scarce facilities and resources. In addition, the government has not created a supportive economic and social environment for them, which has resulted in a long history of discrimination.
The exhibition focuses on these groups and it is intended to represent what seems to be a segregated Costa Rica. The portraits encompass many aspects of the living conditions of Indian tribes, ranging from the toil and trouble to cool their goods to finding some rest at night inside the common dorms that hold up to 30 families in the peak seasons. It also depicts other aspects of their daily life, such as their government structure, clothing and language. The photo documentary promises an enlightening visual experience worth appreciating. The Bellas Artes building of the University of Costa Rica will have the artwork on display until the end of August, Monday thru Friday, from 8 to 6 pm.
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose, Costa Rica
