... The Teribes ...
by Harry Pariser
Author of Explore Costa Rica

Térraba is the main settlement of the Teribe indigenous people of Central America. The Teribe were moved here in 1710 after a team effort on the part of Franciscan missionaries leagued with the Spanish militias. Atlhough those who remained in Panama have managed to retain much of their culture, those in the Costa Rican reserve have lost most of their heritage. Teribes own only some 10% of the reserve’s land; the remainder has been sold to outsiders attracted by the expansion of the PINDECO/Del Monte plantation.

The Asociación Cultura Teribe is the main activist organization here. Over the course of the past few years, they have completed a number of projects including a rancho cultural (meeting place), tree nurseries, a health clinic, and have offered a number of workhops — ranging from Teribe spiritual teachings to workshops for locals; they have also opened a small museum.

A medical clinic will also preserve traditional remedies, and a garden with medicinal plants has been started. Visitors who are genuinely interested in the Teribe culture are welcomed. Contact the Asociación Cultural Indígena Teribe (ACIT) or the Comisión Cultura Teribe who will show you around and exchange ideas. Visitors are requested not to shoot pictures indiscriminately. Donations may be made in the form of checks and made out to the Asociación Cultural Indígena Teribe and mailed to them at Terrabá, Buenos Aires, Puntarenas.

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