128Canopy Blog

Costa Rica Would Like to Claim Original Pieces from Patterson’s Treasure

Although the majority of the Patterson’s archeological collection remains in Germany, Spain is still in possession of two indigenous Costa Rican pieces.  The Costa Rican National Museum’s Director, Rocio Fernandez, recently requested permission from the government to request these pieces from the Spanish government.

The two pieces in question are an oval-shaped grinding stone from Costa Rica’s South Pacific and a vase from the province if Guanacaste.  The permission requested from the government consists of a document that will let the Spanish government know of Costa Rica’s desire to collect those two archeological pieces for the museum’s collection.

The two archeological pieces have been part of a total of 47 items included in the Patterson Collection and were left behind in Spain after the transfer of the majority of the collection to Germany.

According to Fernandez, the two archeological treasures are part of Costa Rica’s Pre-Colombian patrimony and were taken out of the country without the appropriate archeological exportation permit that are normally issued by the National Museum or the National Archeological Commission.

Previously, the Costa Rican media had announced that the Costa Rican was to request these two pieces from Germany.  However, when the government learned that they still remained in Spain, it made the procedure carry on a lot quicker as an official translation of the document was not required.

Costa Rica has been blessed with a beautiful land surrounded by the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean, lush rainforests, cloudforests, volcanoes, rivers, lakes and an incredible variety in flora, fauna and wildlife.  But what really captivates the visitor is the warmth of the Costa Rican people.

Costa Ricans have a diverse cultural background that has evolved over the years into what the world has come to know as the tico way of life.  The Costa Rica National Museum has organized once again its Multicultural Festival in which Costa Rica’s ancestors and founders are recalled and ceebrated.

The festival will take place this Sunday October 5th at the National Museum in downtown San Jose.  The idea behind the V Multicultural Festival is to promote the Costa Rican culture as well as an appreciation for the country’s intangible patrimony by sharing experiences and rescuing traditions.

Tourists and locals as well will be able to see and learn about the Costa Rica’s inherited culture and art that make up the tico identity.  According to the museum’s festival organizer, Maria Elena Masis, this year’s event will remember “four grandfathers who founded the Costa Rican identity”.  The “four grandfathers” she mentions are the Asian, Spanish, Indigenous and Caribbean influences that stand behind the Costa Rican people.

The V Multicultural Festival will take place this Sunday October 5th beginning 10am at the Costa Rican National Museum in downtown San Jose.  Visitors will also be able to enjoy typical Costa Rican food as well as traditional Caribbean and Indigenous dishes.  The Asian community will be selling arts and crafts while master Yan-Sam Kong will be offering a calligraphy workshop.

Admission is free of charge for tourists and residents.

Costa Rica’s old metropolis will be the site for the IV Dance Festival which begins Friday August 8^th and continues until Sunday August 10^th.

The fourth installment of the Festival will be held at the newly restored City House in Cartago. The Casa de la Ciudad belongs to the Costa Rican Technological Institute and stands out in the Cartago city due to its French neoclassic architecture.

The building is also known as Edificio Pirie and was declared National Patrimony in 1986. The City House was built in the 1880’s during Costa Rica’s colonial era and when Cartago was the country’s main city. The building has remained standing after two major earthquakes (one in 1888 and the other in 1910) destroyed many houses and killed several people.

After being the main building for several State offices after 1948, the Casa de la Ciudad has been assigned as a major cultural center since 1983. Several social and artistic communities have gathered at the City House in order to promote cultural activities.

This year’s Dance Festival will present several special guests as well as offer master dance lessons to all those who are interested.

Dance lessons will begin Friday at 2pm until 5pm. Lessons on Saturday and Sunday will begin at 10am and carry on until 4pm. Special guests will entertain the public with their presentations starting Friday at 6pm. Presentations will continue on Saturday starting 6pm and Sunday starting 5pm.

For those who wish to participate in the dance lessons, spaces are limited and must hurry to secure a spot. For those who participate in at least four lessons will receive a certificate of participation.