The State, the elite and the communities: The contracts around the exploitation of the madreperla in the pacific of Costa Rica (XIX and XX centuries)

Abstract

This study seeks to show, by analyzing the contracts of the exploitation of mother of pearl granted by the state, the privileges granted to the Costa Rican elite and the foreign investors and, the loss of the traditional exploitation by the coastal communities, in particular Nicoya. These communities reacted in defense of their rights by using several means including direct pressure or by sending letters to the local and national authorities.