Rosewood Carving in Crique Sarco

Forty miles from Punta Gorda, Crique Sarco is one of the more remote villages of the region.Its homes are scattered along the Temash River and dugout dories are still used to reach certain parts of the village, though a footbridge over the river now makes things more accessible.

Most of the residents here are Kekchi Mayan subsistence farmers, though some also raise cattle, rice and cacao for sale. Crique Sarco has also become known for its beautiful rosewood carvings, which are sold in the market in Punta Gorda and in local gift shops. Rosewood is a dark tropical hardwood, which you may see utilized in many of the buildings around Cotton Tree Lodge. It is extremely durable as well as beautiful, but is becoming harder to find.

On this tour, you will visit the workshop of a Crique Sarco rosewood carver. He will show you how he harvests his wood (sustainably whenever possible, from tree stumps and storm-felled trees), uses a variety of hand tools to shape his work, and finally finishes and polishes each item for market.