The healing process of a BriBri

Ship: Roald Amundsen
Date: 15.01.2026
Position: Bribris, Costa Rica

Today, we took a boat tour on the river, followed by a shuttle ride in a truck with a wooden platform.

It brought us to the Bribri village, which is said to be their unofficial capital. There, we met the mother of the man who owns the house we stayed in, as well as their large family and their cute pets.

Next to their house is a tent with its entrance facing east toward the sunrise, where a special healing ritual of the Bribri culture is performed. This process can take several days and must take place in complete darkness. During the ritual, two stones are placed on either side of the patient and when the healing is successful, the stones are said to begin to fly.

However, this experience differs from person to person.

The tent is built with eight poles representing men and animals. The inside of the roof is divided into four “phases,” symbolized by four circles. The highest circle represents the source of energy: Outer space and the god or energy called “Cibo.”

The second circle represents the underworld.

The third stands for white people and the circle closest to the ground represents the Bribri, as they are closely connected to the earth. The structure is made of interdependent supports; for example, the roof represents women, who cannot exist without men, symbolized by the vertical poles.

Typical food here consists of rice and beans for breakfast, lunch and dinner, often accompanied by starfruit, which is quite delicious.

All in all, it was a fascinating experience to get a glimpse into the culture of the Bribri.