“Boyeros” Declared World Heritage Tradition
The humble oxcart driver of Costa Rica was declared on Friday an Oral and Intangible World Heritage tradition by UNESCO (United Nations Education Science and Culture Organization), one of 43 traditions appearing in the proclamation. The oxcart drivers join in the patrimony of humanity Costa Rica’s World Heritage Sites: Cocos Island, La Amistad International Park and the Guanacaste Conservation Area.
The tradition was proposed by the office of Culture Vice Minister Amalia Chaverri via the Costa Rican UN delegate. The proposal was made after an extensive study of the tradition by anthropologists Cecilia Dobles, Giselle Chang and Carmen Murillo. The study showed that the tradition at one time was used throughout the country, through several centuries and is still alive and evolving.
According to the jury, the oxcart is the most famous crafted article from Costa Rica and it was a vital component in commerce historically. The proclamation points out that there is still a small group of artisans dedicated to manufacturing and painting the carts even today, and points out that only a small number of young artisans are interested in learning the tradition. This makes it important to promote and honor this tradition that is unique in the world.
According to the anthropologists, the profession contains a great quantity of knowledge and practices that unify and strengthen the tradition. It originated in colonial times, when Spaniards introduced a simple cart that through the years was transformed according to the necessities in the environment and culture. “The structure was transformed, and the colorful designs came about as a representation of the pride the drivers took in their work and a form of self expression”, explained Carmen Murillo. The golden age of the oxcart was in the 19th Century, when oxcart caravans traveled to Puntarenas to leave coffee for export.
On Sunday, oxcart drivers paraded through San José as a demonstration of pride in the award and their tradition.