Costa Rican Art: Sarchi’s Famous Painted Ox Carts

David’s Been Here is touring the artisanal city of Sarchi, Costa Rica, in search of the history and artists behind the city’s famous ‘carretas’ or ox-carts. Join David as he meets not only a local artist, but a man whose grandfather helped start the local tradition. Dating back to the early 1900s, these ox carts were used by farmers for both agricultural purposes, as well as to get to the markets and church. Consequently, they needed the carts to not only be protected from the elements, but also believed they should be presentable as well. Over the years the beauty of the painting has increased to the final, intricate products that you can find here today. Tour through the various sizes, designs and ages as David films these beautiful pieces of functional art. Production by Carlos de Varona from Chromahouse