Abstract

This paper explores two decades of history in Talamanca, an indigenous region lo cated in southeastern Costa Rica. Between 1927 and 1948 the internal structuring of Talamancan indigenous communities underwent important transformations, as did the region’s economy and its administrative organization. Along with these changes, this paper examines four very influential individuals, Fermín Regidor and Neftalí Val verde, who served as police officers in Talamanca, and the brothers Carlos Daniel and Alfredo Luis Swaby.

Keywords: United Fruit Company; Bribri Indians; Cabécar Indians; Talamanca; administrative organization