Stone spheres of Costa Rica, Archaeological site in Palmar Sur, Costa Rica.
The Stone spheres of Costa Rica are an archaeological ensemble scattered throughout the Diquís Delta and Isla del Caño in Puntarenas Province. More than 300 of these objects are located at different sites and form a remarkable testimony to pre-Columbian stone-working craft.
Workers of the United Fruit Company discovered these objects in 1939 during land clearing operations, which led to initial research by Doris Stone. Extensive archaeological studies followed and helped clarify the origin and meaning of these mysterious spheres.
These objects were created between 500 and 1500 CE by the Diquís culture, which developed advanced stone-working techniques. They were positioned near the residences of chiefs, underlining their social importance.
Visitors can examine the spheres at the Finca 6 archaeological site, where several specimens remain in their original positions. Educational exhibits provide information about the creation and meaning of these objects and help frame the visit.
The spheres range from a few centimeters to over 2 meters (about 7 feet) in diameter and weigh up to 15 tons, crafted primarily from gabbro. Their geometric precision shows high craftsmanship, though the tools and methods of production are not yet fully understood.
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