The Enigmatic Stone Spheres of Costa Rica

The stone spheres of Costa Rica, locally known as “bolas de piedra” (literally stone balls), are a collection of over 300 petrospheres found in the Diquís Delta and on Isla del Caño¹. These spheres, attributed to the extinct Diquís culture, are the best-known stone sculptures of the Isthmo-Colombian area¹.

Historical Background

The Diquís culture emerged in the Valley of the Rio Grande de Térraba, where they established complex social, economic, and political systems². Settlement of the region began during the Synancra period around 1,500 – 300 BC in the form of sedentary, small, and dispersed farming communities². By the Aguas Buenas period between 300 BC – AD 800, the settlements developed a chiefdom structure that ruled over territorial divisions, and exchanged goods with neighboring territories through a system of trading networks².

The Spheres

The spheres range in size from a few centimeters to over 2 meters in diameter, and weigh up to 15 tons¹. Most are sculpted from gabbro, the coarse-grained equivalent of basalt¹. They appear to have been made by hammering natural boulders with other rocks, then polishing with sand¹. The degree of finishing and precision of working varies considerably¹.

Significance and Placement

The spheres are thought to have been placed in lines along the approach to the houses of chiefs, but their exact significance remains uncertain¹. Some archaeologists hypothesize that the spheres could represent solar systems or just be inspired by various stages of the sun and the moon as viewed with the naked eye, including setting or rising suns, and half moons¹.

Recognition and Preservation

In June 2014, the Precolumbian Chiefdom Settlements with Stone Spheres of the Diquís was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites¹. In July 2014, a project, which had been proposed in 2011, to declare the spheres a national symbol of the country was approved¹.

Conclusion

The stone spheres of Costa Rica are a testament to the ingenuity and artistic prowess of the Diquís culture. Their precise construction and mysterious purpose continue to captivate archaeologists and visitors alike, making them a fascinating subject of study and a unique tourist attraction.