Bribri in Costa Rica
Photo Source:
Axxis10 - Wikimedia
Creative Commons
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| People Name: | Bribri |
| Country: | Costa Rica |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 14,000 |
| World Population: | 15,300 |
| Primary Language: | Bribri |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 93.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 25.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Central American Indigenous, other |
| Affinity Bloc: | Latin-Caribbean Americans |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Bribri people are a tribe living in the Talamanca region of southeastern Costa Rica and parts of Panama.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Bribri lifestyle is rooted in tradition and sustainability.They live primarily through subsistence agriculture, cultivating bananas, plantains, corn, beans, yucca, and cacao. Most men fish, hunt, and sometimes find honey and root vegetables in the forests. Others make a living through eco-tourism by offering tours and selling handcrafted goods like jewelry and baskets. Some take tourists on nature walks, showing them where to find medicinal plants.Bribri society is matrilineal. That means inheritance and clan identity come from the mother’s side. Women inherit land and hold a central role in spiritual and community life. Grandmothers are honored as keepers of tradition and knowledge.They consider cacao sacred, and women perform rituals using it. Music and dance is used extensively in Bribri ceremonies that honor deities.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Despite confusion caused by pre-Colombian religious practices, the Bribris are Christian, mostly Roman Catholic. There is a sizable Evangelical minority.
What Are Their Needs?
Despite the eco-tourism industry, many Bribris remain in grinding poverty. These people do not have access to the needed education or medical care. It’s common for the Bribri land to be taken by outsiders. This leads to violence and threats against Bribri land defenders.Environmental degradation is increasing because of climate change and pesticides from nearby banana plantations.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Lord to provide for all their economic and spiritual needs according to his goodness and power.Pray for the Bribri elders to decide that Jesus Christ is sufficient and lead their people to worship him alone.Pray that soon Bribri families and churches will experience revival, leading them into a deep relationship with Jesus Christ.Pray for the Bribris to become part of God’s plan to reach the nations.