Vtg Costa Rica Coffee Carretas Tooled Embossed Leather Messenger Caramel

Vintage Costa Rica Cafe Coffee Hand Tooled Embossed Leather Messenger Crossbody Bag with exposed exterior media pocket Bag depicts Costa Rican coffee farmer with oxen pulling carreta. Other side has cursive "Costa Rica" with coffee plant flower and oxcarts. Color Caramel Height 8.5" Width 12.5" Depth 4" Strap Drop 18-20" Bag is in very good pre-owned vintage condition. Signs of wear include: exterior- minimal scuffs, scratches, scrapes, stains ~ interior- normal wear/dirt. An absolute GEM!! Ships same day or next business morning Oxcarts, or carretas, have been symbols of Costa Rica since 1800s. Traditionally, they were used to haul coffee beans from plantations to the ports from. The journey took carts through Costa Rica’s lush Central Valley & over beautiful mountains, sometimes taking two weeks. First, these carts were pulled by people. As demand for coffee grew, oxen were used to increase amount of beans to be transported. Not content with viewing the carts as just means of transportation, families began decorating. Oxcarts were often a family or village’s only means of transportation, and the colors and designs soon became associated with specific farms and areas. It was a way to show pride in your home. Oxcarts became recognizable because of their bright colors and intricate patterns. Today, oxcarts are no longer needed to transport coffee beans and other cargo around the country, but they still hold an important place in the country’s history and artistic culture.