The tribe has about 2,660 members, most living on a reservation in the Puntarenas Province in southwestern Costa Rica, a few miles away from the Pan-American Highway following the Rio Térraba.

The ancestors of the modern Boruca made up a group of chiefdoms that ruled most of Costa Rica's Pacific coast, from Quepos to what is now the Panamanian border, including the Osa Peninsula.

Like their ancestors the Boruca are known for their art and craftwork, especially weaving and their distinctive painted balsa wood masks, which have become popular decorative items among Costa Ricans and tourists.

These masks are important elements in the Borucas' annual Danza de los Diablitos ceremony, celebrated every winter since at least colonial times.

The sorcerers of the village were delighted to find that, on the day the baby was born, a beautiful bird perched itself atop a tree branch and began to sing a sweet song.

While it is debatable that these tactics are hindering or aiding the preservation of the Brunka culture, it may be felt that by completely disclosing their knowledge, it would be vulnerable to becoming tainted.

The population of the Reserva Indígena Boruca subsists mainly on small-scale agriculture and the profits reaped from the sale of indigenous crafts.

Article Three of the Indigenous Law of Costa Rica specifically states, "Non-indigenous [people] may not rent or buy … lands or farms included within these reserves."

The Brunca are best known for their handcrafted masks that are used during the Juego de los Diablitos (The Dance of the Little Devils) festival, the traditional New Years celebration.

Often adorned with nene beads, pejibaye seeds, thread, and feathers of birds (namely toucans), these puñales were used to capture game.

Also, the rhizomes of the Yuquilla plant (Curcuma longa) can be smashed and rubbed together to form a yellow dye, which can become fixed and more vibrant with the addition of lime.

Nowadays, the Brunca have cultivated plant species that are native to Southeast Asia for dying purposes, such as Curcuma longa and Tectona grandis, illustrating that the TEK has spread drastically over the past 40 years.

The diablos also dress in "sacos" made from the cloth of "gangoche," which are covered in large banana leaves, or "munshi" in the Brunka language.

The ultimate triumph of the indigenous, or diablos, at the end of the festival symbolizes the survival of the Brunka and their culture in spite of Spanish colonial power.

At the commencement of the festival, the diablos stream down the hill and dance to the central square, where they celebrate together until the early morning hours.

Around 9 am on the 31st, the Mayor sounds his conch to awaken and call the diablos, who then spend the entire day in the community dancing on the porches of every household and drinking chicha, a traditional alcoholic beverage made from corn seedlings fermented with yeast, and eating tamales.

Because the festival has grown so large, the proceedings now involve "arrediadores," or herders, who stay at the back of the procession to make sure that no diablo is left behind.

On the morning of January 1, the historical significance shifts because the torro, representing the relentless conquest of the Spanish, joins the dance.

The costume is constructed out of light balsa wood and filled with dry leaves that burn easily at the end of the festival.

Other important socio-political influences include the Catholic Church, the Cultural Radio Station, the Youth Organization, the primary and secondary schools, and artisan groups.

Every third Sunday of the month, the body meets to address grievances such as land disputes and civil conflicts at the neighbor council (Atención de Vecinos).

The Development Association works directly with the national government of Costa Rica to protect the rights and fight for the autonomy of the Brunka in order to preserve indigenous identity.

The Women's Organization was founded in 1983, initially to help raise money to allow students to attend high schools outside of Boruca.

Now, the Women's Organization serves as the second-most important group in the community, working in many ways to rescue and maintain the Brunka culture and language.

With the support of Banco Popular, the Women's Organization has established a community fund that provides financial assistance for residents who cannot afford sufficient food.

In a greater Boruca community of around 6,000 people (including Brunka and non-Brunka) about 2,000 citizens participate regularly in parish activities.

For example, currently the Parish is organizing the construction of a public plaza next to the church, designated for playing soccer and other community games and celebrations.

In the past, the Priest has assumed the responsibility to confront youth issues such as alcohol and drug use, prostitution, and teenage pregnancy.

Regarding organization and development for the society, various community groups utilize this information diffuser for distributing knowledge of celebrations and meetings in the town.

From 1991-1997, Peace Corps volunteer Pica Lockwood lived in the community, forming the first Indigenous youth group of Costa Rica.