The Day Room

• Agriculture

  

  

  

  

• Once pre-Columbian communities achieved the domestication of plants, they abandoned their nomadic habits to become established in towns and villages. This intensified cultivation of roots such as cassava and grains, mainly maize and beans. Coupled to this emerged specialized artisans, known as ceramists or potters, who created vessels serving as containers for agricultural products.

  Natural splendor

  

  

  

  

• Fauna is mirrored in a large number of objects in the museum’s archaeological collection. The artisans’ remarkable ability of observing the surrounding natural environment is noteworthy. Some of the representations were realistic while others schematic. Mammals, reptiles, and birds are noticeable.

  Cultural networking

  

  

  

  

• Water sources were very important elements for subsistence as well as for human settlements during pre-Columbian times. Many activities were related to the main rivers and to the coast; in the same way this promoted exchange of goods at a local and regional level, leading to cultural networks.

  Everyday life

  

  

  

• The human groups populating the territory which is now Costa Rica experienced a social, political and economic development, with structured social organizations including chiefs, artisans, shamans, peasants and the common people. Different roles and activities took place inside the community for the subsistence of the group such as agriculture, hunting, fishing, craftsmanship, including ceremonies and festivities.