Of polytheistic religion, they worship, among others : Their priests are renowned experts in astronomy and mathematics. They fish, hunt and grow corn, cassava and tobacco. Originally from Mexico and Nicaragua, the Chorotegas settled around the 5th century in Costa Rica and Honduras. This is why it is essential to learn about the pottery workshop to contribute to the promotion of the heritage of Guaitil and the fair remuneration of ceramists and this art craft. The chorotega soul invests into each sculpture, mold and dish where it is then up to each one to respect this aspect. The idea is not to attract mass tourism and produce in large quantities at the expense of know-how. However, continuing the tradition remains a crucial issue. Kitchen utensils and useful instruments give way to decorative objects and trinkets of all kinds. Previously destined for the inhabitants of the village, the pottery of Guaitil is now sold to all and especially to tourists. The most important thing is to preserve my culture Poteries de Guaitil, an eco-friendly purchase Poteries de Guaitil au Costa Rica Guaitil – A Costa Rican village with multiple stakes They even say that shamans bless the pottery. Quetzals, toucans, tropical birds, arabesques, all dressed in black, white and red, decorate these hundreds of art pieces of ochre or black color. Plates, pots, dishes, jars, figurines of Costa Rican fauna are together on the shelves of the shop. I go back in time and find my grandmother He does not even plan to practice this profession elsewhere than in this workshop in Guaitil. She is there, close by, looking at him, guiding him and protecting him in his creations. He entrusts us that when he kneads the clay or paints his pottery, he finds his ancestor. Working with ceramics is like a travel through time. Through his pottery, he perpetuates the wealth of his ancestors. As far as he is concerned, exercising this profession goes beyond satisfying a passion. He remembers very well about having to learn everything from his grandmother, at the age of 11. This man has always lived in this typical village, populated by natives. He is sitting in front of his potter’s wheel. Where does this passion and know-how come from? Johnny Sanchez Grijalva, a chorotega craftsman in Guaitil explains to us. Clay is also used to make tiles for house roofs.Ĭonnection to Chorotegas through ancestral know-how.It only breaks if it is in direct contact with fire. A container cooked at low temperature is stronger.Sponges and brushes are guided by precise fingers to form totemic animal drawings.Īll this process makes Guaitil pottery and these pieces absolutely unique. Then, the decorative motifs are traced on the partially dry ceramic using entirely natural materials. The pottery is then wrapped in wood fuel, hence the black deposits. The cooking takes place outdoors at low temperatures in a traditional dome-shaped oven called “borno”. Indigenous artisans polish their works with “zukias or sukias”, stones used as grindstones. The clay is then turned to create the sculpture itself.

Then, like a pie dough, it is kneaded and rolled until it can be modeled. Then, as tradition dictates, with shovels and precise gestures, it is incorporated into the water and trampled on by the potter. Shelled with a solid wood mortar and filtered through a sieve (canvas), the clay is then mixed with sand called “iguana sand”. The craftsmen load it on a wagon pulled by oxen, in accordance with ancestral methods, and bring it back to the village of Guaitil. Chorotegas collect clay in the surrounding Costa Rican mountains, those of San Vicente de Nicoya, more precisely. Today, most tourist objects are decorated with chemical paints and coated with varnish for a better shine. Les poteries de Guaitil au Costa Rica fabriquées à la main Guaitil pottery – Materials from San Vicente de NicoyaĬhorotega pottery uses only local materials.

Artisan village guaitil