Friday, April 10, 2009

Micheal Sims: Paiinted Oxcart


The Painted Oxcart

     Since early in the Nineteenth Century, the oxcart has been a versatile vehicle of transportation as well as recreation in rural Costa Rica. It has been used to relocate entire families and literally every variety of goods this country has to offer. But it is the elaborate, varied and colorful artistic designs of these vehicles that distinguish them from oxcarts from any other Latin American society.

     In her new book, “The Painted Oxcart”, Michael Sims traces the history of the Costa Rican oxcart and how it came to be a tradition to decorate them so uniquely and elaborately. She alone is responsible for every bit of the extensive research it took to compile this book, taking all the photographs and writing all the text as well. Ms. Sims relocated to Costa Rica more than thirty years ago. She currently has her own line of jewelry, called Costa Rica Creatures, teaches a handicraft workshop in Tortuguero, an art workshop for at-risk kids in San Jose, and art classes at the European School in Heredia. Busy gal, Michael Sims.

     It was in the art class in Heredia in 2001 that she gave the students an assignment to design their own oxcart, bearing each child’s personal design. After visiting several Costa Rican book stores, Michael was surprised to discover how very little had been written on the subject of oxcarts. Ultimately, the kids used postcards as models for guides, and the idea for the book was hatched.  During her research, Michael discovered an entire cultural history revolving around these carts, including the expected photographs, of course, but an extensive history of poems and songs as well. The book opens with a history of the migration of the oxcart, following the industrious vehicle from its introduction in Argentina, then north through South America, into Panama and north through Central America, into Mexico and even California. At one time, there was such an intense use of the vehicle that it became enough of a thriving industry that taxes were levied on the boyeros, or oxcart drivers.

     The middle and bulkiest section of Ms. Sim’s book is devoted to the culture and legend of the oxcart. And it is in this section that the reader is able to view the romantic tie-in of the vehicle with Costa Rica’s history, eventually evolving into a symbol of the Costa Rican lifestyle. And it is in this “beefy” section that the most detailed, colorful and varied photos are displayed.

     The third and final section of “The Painted Oxcart” describes and documents the evolution of the oxcart, looks at the history of its assembly practices and has a very nice glossary of Spanish colloquialisms and slang based around the oxcart, in all its implications. Michael Sims has found her niche, and has chosen to share that passion with the public in a satisfying way.

     Signed copies of “The Painted Oxcart” are available at the Jaime Peligro book stores in Playa Tamarindo, Nuevo Arenal and Quepos.All comments concerning this article are gladly welcomed.

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