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Cabecar Indigenous Culture


We spent a day learning about Cabecar culture.

The Cabécar, Costa Rica's largest Indigenous group, are known for their profound connection to nature and their enduring traditional culture. Residing primarily in the remote, mountainous Talamanca region, their communities are often dispersed rather than clustered, reflecting a long history of isolated and independent existence. Their social structure is based on a matrilineal clan system, where ancestry and inheritance are passed down through the mother's line. Spiritual beliefs are central to their worldview, focusing on a reverence for their creator god, Sibö, and a harmonious coexistence with the environment. Guided by shamans called zukia, they use natural medicine and perform rituals to connect with the spirit world. The Cabécar language, part of the Chibchan family, remains a vital part of their cultural identity, with many, especially women, speaking it exclusively.

Location: Calie San Vincente, Limon, Talamanca, Costa Rica Contributor: Benjamin Thornton
Updated Sep 01, 2025 by Ben Thornton


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