Press
Guidebook Quotes About Galería Namu, Costa Rica
Footprint Handbook:
“… is the best one-stop shop for homegrown art. Indigenous arts and crafts would be the traditional phrase, but Namu has blended conventional themes of rugs, throws, textiles and mask carvings with many more contemporary developments. Not that these are their words, but to keep indigenous art alive it has to be living. The result is some inspired pieces. Any pieces bought come with information sheets so you can spread the story behind the work.”
Lonely Planet Guide:
“… Namu…a gallery that has done an admirable job of bringing together artwork and crafts from Costa Rica’s small but diverse population of indigenous tribes. If you want a quick education about indigenous culture in the country, this is a good place to come. Owner Aisling French regularly visits artists in remote villages around the country and can provide background information on the various traditions represented. Boruca ceremonial masks, Guaymí dresses and dolls, Bribri dugout canoes, Chorotega ceramics, Huetar sculpture and mats and Guatuso blankets are among the works that can be found at the gallery.”
“Some work by contemporary urban artists, including art produced by street children through a city program is also available.”
Fodor’s Guidebook:
“… has some of the best indigenous crafts in town. Its inventory brims with colorful creations by Guaymí, Boruca, Bribri, Chorotega, Huetar and Maleku peoples from Costa Rica and exquisitely carved ivory nut tagua figurines made by the Wounan Indians from Panama’s Darien region. Take note of carved balsa masks, woven cotton blankets and hand-painted ceramics. Galería Namu also showcases Costa Rican folkloric art and features metal insect sculptures made by city kids in a program that aims to get them off the streets.”
The New Key to Costa Rica:
“…specializes in indigenous and women’s art from around the country. The gallery hopes to give a forum to these artists so that they may earn the recognition they deserve and be able to continue to produce.”