Rojas Bros Boruca Indigenous Arts
Rojas Bros Boruca Indigenous Arts
Rojas Bros Boruca Indigenous Arts
4.5
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Back in its original location in Coco center, across from the Panaderia Tutu, Rojas Bros. Boruca Indigenous Art & Gallery is the first ever art space and gallery in Coco Beach to exhibit the beautiful artisanry from our home village of Boruca, a small indigenous reserve in the southern part of Costa Rica. We are, Domingo Rojas, an artist from the Borucan reserve and a large family of artists, painters, sculptors, and weavers, and Graceann Barrett, from New York. We are now living in Coco and want to share the traditional arts of our indigenous culture with this beautiful beach community. We feature many other of the talented artists from Boruca who visit Coco Beach to exhibit their work and help to support the greater economy of our home town. We bring a wealth of information regarding the art, culture and environmental protection of the Borucan people. Our primary works of art are elaborated from balsa wood into the intricate Little Devil or environmental masks, always representing the flora and fauna native to Costa Rica, and always in recognition of the legacy left behind by the Borucan ancestors. Rojas Bros invites innovative art utilizing new techniques and styles. We also offer traditional weaving using natural cotton fibers and dyes made by the Borucan women, and various pieces of jewelry and other crafts that demonstrate the Borucan skills as artisans. Come visit the Rojas Bros. Boruca Indigenous Art & Gallery!
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
48 reviews
Excellent
42
Very good
2
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
2
zimalc
London, UK155 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
Then this is it. It's a must visit for those who are in Coco.
Quite hard to find, but aim for the bakery and facing to the street from there, it's at 1 or 2 o'clock direction. Just right infront of the bus station but you may not notice the station unless someone is waiting. If you found a car wash place, it's the same place.
It's not just masks, but also excellent collection of affordable accessories like jewellery and woven bags.
The owner and assistant are very knowledgeable and friendly.
Had I known earlier, I would have put in an order ahead of time after seeing some of the bag designs on their fb page, just search rojas bros.
One of the best places for souvenirs in town, as most are mass manufactured made in Indonesia dusty stuff. This place and ciao Bella, next to the gelato shop closer to the beach. Ciao Bella is also all CR made accessories and clothes. Mostly for women but I found some good mens tee, too.
Shop at Rojas and grab a great burger and chips from also across the rode, soda oasis, next to the bakery.
Many shops and hotels will not know Rojas but persevere, it's worth your while.
Quite hard to find, but aim for the bakery and facing to the street from there, it's at 1 or 2 o'clock direction. Just right infront of the bus station but you may not notice the station unless someone is waiting. If you found a car wash place, it's the same place.
It's not just masks, but also excellent collection of affordable accessories like jewellery and woven bags.
The owner and assistant are very knowledgeable and friendly.
Had I known earlier, I would have put in an order ahead of time after seeing some of the bag designs on their fb page, just search rojas bros.
One of the best places for souvenirs in town, as most are mass manufactured made in Indonesia dusty stuff. This place and ciao Bella, next to the gelato shop closer to the beach. Ciao Bella is also all CR made accessories and clothes. Mostly for women but I found some good mens tee, too.
Shop at Rojas and grab a great burger and chips from also across the rode, soda oasis, next to the bakery.
Many shops and hotels will not know Rojas but persevere, it's worth your while.
Written January 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your thorough description and helpful hints to come and find us! We're working on spreading the word and making Rojas Bros. a more findable spot - thanks for your helpful suggestions! Also, contact us via Facebook if you are still interested in the black tote bag with beige accents. The person who ordered it ended up wanting the messenger bag in the same colorway instead, so the piece is still available. I can calculate the shipping for you if you are interested! Just let us know! -Grace
Written January 13, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KenHinSask1
Regina, Canada71 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
Interesting combination, having your art gallery along the side of a wall in a restaurant. Lots of traffic! Their crafting of local masks is fantastic. The colours, workmanship and the story behind each one is fabulous. Each one is unique. Other handcrafted items are also very nice, but the masks are the drawing card! And to boot, you can eat and drink while contemplating a purchase. (Food is great and staff are wonderful)
Written February 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your comment Ken! We are glad that your experience in our gallery was a good one, and that you were able to hear the great stories behind the Borucan art! And, even better, that you enjoyed our partner restaurante, which we also highly recommend! - Grace
Written March 7, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kzieglercc
Kitchener, Canada7 contributions
Feb 2016 • Friends
I traveled to Costa Rica in February with my family and we had heard about the Little Devils Festival. Unfortunately it had come and gone, but I had found a place where we could see some of the indigenous art.
The gallery was easy to find (due to some lovely commenters directions on this site) and Grace was very hospitable. She told us many stories about the Borucan people and their art, along with the meaning behind it. I fell in love with their masks but unfortunately the ones in the gallery were all spoken for. Grace suggested that my fiance and I could commission a personal piece from one of the Rojas brothers and have it shipped to Canada - we loved the idea!
After returning home I looked through my pictures and picked out some of our favourite animals we'd seen on the trip. I sent them to Grace and she told me that Domingo could make us an eco mask with all of the animals we had asked for. The process was so easy, and despite Domingo getting dengue amidst completing our mask ( :( I'm glad it was a quick recovery!) we got the mask in a very timely fashion.
It was even more amazing than we could've hoped for!
We're in the process of moving at the moment so we can't have it up, but we bring it out for guests and friends to see and they are all blown away at the creativity and talent that went into this mask.
I have recommended this gallery to everyone I know and I tell people to mention it to others who they know are going to Costa Rica. I loved the country itself and I hope next time I go back that I can visit the gallery again and pick up some new pieces.
Keep up the fantastic work!
The gallery was easy to find (due to some lovely commenters directions on this site) and Grace was very hospitable. She told us many stories about the Borucan people and their art, along with the meaning behind it. I fell in love with their masks but unfortunately the ones in the gallery were all spoken for. Grace suggested that my fiance and I could commission a personal piece from one of the Rojas brothers and have it shipped to Canada - we loved the idea!
After returning home I looked through my pictures and picked out some of our favourite animals we'd seen on the trip. I sent them to Grace and she told me that Domingo could make us an eco mask with all of the animals we had asked for. The process was so easy, and despite Domingo getting dengue amidst completing our mask ( :( I'm glad it was a quick recovery!) we got the mask in a very timely fashion.
It was even more amazing than we could've hoped for!
We're in the process of moving at the moment so we can't have it up, but we bring it out for guests and friends to see and they are all blown away at the creativity and talent that went into this mask.
I have recommended this gallery to everyone I know and I tell people to mention it to others who they know are going to Costa Rica. I loved the country itself and I hope next time I go back that I can visit the gallery again and pick up some new pieces.
Keep up the fantastic work!
Written July 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Kaitlyn for your kind review! We are so happy that you were pleased with your experiences, both in the gallery and in our online ordering process! We thank you for your recommendations and definitely hope to see you again when you're back in Costa Rica! And if you ever have a New Year's free, we can definitely help you coordinate your trip to see the Little Devil's festival! - Grace
Written July 23, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tblazer2015
Tucson, AZ87 contributions
Feb 2018 • Business
Please advise that this business is no longer located in Playas del Coco. Was informed by a taxi driver that they relocated out of town. We were unable to locate.
Written February 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthonyscott83
Charlottetown, Canada13 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
We went to a demonstration of Borucan weaving at TikiCoco and saw Higinia showing the steps to make a project. From breaking the seeds away from the cotton, to spinning the cotton, then finding the leaves at the right moon to dye the balls of yarn, and finally the weaving. We asked to have a throw made for our couch. Higinia made our throw in less than 10 days because she knew we were leaving and Grace was so kind to pick up the blankets on her way back from Boruca after Semana Santa. We absolutely love this priceless piece of art and it will brighten our home and be a constant reminder of how much time and effort went into making the blanket. We highly recommend contacting Grace and buying some weaving, paintings or sculptures. Thank you again Grace, Higinia and your team for such an amazing product.
Written April 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind review, Anthony and Natalie! We're so happy that you are both pleased with Higinia's hard work and the service we were able to offer you at the gallery! We hope to see photos of the blanket in it's new home on our Facebook page, or right here on TripAdvisor! Best regards, Grace
Written April 4, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lucy W
Austin, TX3 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
This is a small shop with some incredible native artwork. We loved the wood carving and bright colors of the environmental masks, especially of a macaw and other birds. So much so that we have two hanging in our living room now. Grace is very gracious and packaged the art for me to hand carry on the airplane. We picked it up the next day and I had an extra duffle-type bag with me. Customs (in Houston) passed the art through the x-ray machine without even asking about it. The shop can also mail items. The "masks" make great decorator pieces and souvenirs of a wonderful trip. They also sell jewelry and woven products, etc. It is easy to overlook the shop, and I am so glad my husband spotted it. It's also interesting to ask about the rock holding their door closed.
Written March 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Lucy! Thanks for your kind review, and we are so pleased that you are happy with your artwork and the service we provided for you at the gallery! We would love to see photos of your mask in its new home on our Facebook page, or right here on TripAdvisor! Again, thanks for taking the time to leave us this review! Best regards, Grace
Written April 4, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
brenlou67
Edmonton, Canada6 contributions
Feb 2016 • Solo
Awesome evening with great instructors. Highly recommend checking out their gallery. Beautiful art! Helpful and knowledgable staff. History and Art combined for a great experience.
Written February 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your comment, Brenda! We had an excellent time hosting you and the others in February's mask painting workshop! Thanks for coming! - Grace
Written February 29, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ann B
Colorado Springs, CO8 contributions
Jan 2016 • Business
This is a wonderful gallery for authentic Costa Rican art from the indigenous village of Bouruca. Grace, the owner along with her fiancé, is a wealth of knowledge about this village and their traditional art. I would highly recommend a visit to this gallery whether to purchase the reasonably priced pieces or just for the education about these traditional artisans.
Written January 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, Ann! We are glad that you were satisfied with your visit, and hope to see you as a future friend on Facebook! Please share any photos of your purchase with us on our page! - Grace
Written January 26, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mobiusag
Nakusp, Canada167 contributions
Dec 2015 • Business
We ordered 2 Borucan masks via mail order to Canada. We had anticipated the opening since we had heard about it when we were down in El Coco in November! I ordered via internet after perusing the selection on-line. My purchase was handled professionaly and very friendly. Masks arrived via postal service in 2 weeks! Excellent packaging. We are so pleased with our masks - they look better on our wall than the photos depicted. The artistry is amazing and beautiful! Every time I look I discover another hidden item. The gallery followed up with us and made sure we were pleased. I cannot wait to actually visit next time we visit Coco. This is an awesome venture - helping to support the Borucan people and expand the exposure to their culture and artistry!
Written January 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your kind review! We are so pleased that your masks arrived safely and in a timely manner, and that you are happy with your new art! Please keep in touch and let us know when you will be in Coco! - Grace
Written January 13, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Levi O
Southlake, TX2 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
I walked over to Rojas Bros on a recommendation for indigenous pieces, and I was more than satisfied. Grace runs an awesome shop, and it's just getting started! The plain white front hosts some authentic pieces with backstories you won't find anywhere else in Coco, or Costa Rica for that matter.
From the hand sewn bags, necklaces, and earrings to the stunning balsa wood masks, the store is one you have to at least step into for the cultural experience of the Borucan culture. It's a richer narrative than the Pura Vida lifestyle you'll hear elsewhere, but it's one worth hearing!
From the hand sewn bags, necklaces, and earrings to the stunning balsa wood masks, the store is one you have to at least step into for the cultural experience of the Borucan culture. It's a richer narrative than the Pura Vida lifestyle you'll hear elsewhere, but it's one worth hearing!
Written December 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your kind description, Levi! We're so pleased that you enjoyed your experience! I met some more of your family as well; I hope you liked your present :-) Feel free to send us photos of your mask's new home on Facebook! Be well! - Grace
Written December 29, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I have seen your beautiful pieces in florida. Is it possible to buy them from your Costa Rica location online?
Written March 15, 2016
Yes, you can purchase items from our online inventory (kept up to date on our Facebook page - /rojasbrosborucanart), which can be ready to ship the next business day upon receiving the payment. We also work with clients outside of Costa Rica interested in commissioning a custom piece according to their own specifications. That process usually takes about a month for the mask to be complete, and then up to 3 weeks in shipping after the final payments have been arranged. Hope to hear from you soon!
Written March 15, 2016
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