The Mystery of the Costa Rica Spheres… Quite Interesting.
One of the most intriguing mysteries in Costa Rican archaeology was discovered in the Diquis Delta of Costa Rica. Since the 1930s, hundreds of stone balls have been documented, ranging in size from a few centimeters to over two meters in diameter. Some weigh as much as 16 tons. Almost all of them are made of granodiorite, a hard, igneous stone that peels like an onion when exposed to temperature changes. These objects are monolithic sculptures crafted by human hands.
Over 300 spheres have been found in the country, but many more might remain hidden in the mythic forests of the South Pacific.
Almost all the spheres that have been discovered were relocated. Initially by a banana company (which was the first to find them) and later by various individuals. A prevailing theory suggests they are a mark of status. These spheres can be found in official buildings such as the Asamblea Legislativa (Costa Rican Congress), hospitals, parks, and schools. They have also adorned private gardens and corporate grounds for many years. Naturally, they are also featured in museums.
The raw material of the stones, granodiorite, is believed to have come from the riverbed of the Grande de Terraba. These stones were then transported to the locations where they were eventually discovered. Intriguingly, no unfinished stones have ever been found, and the final resting places of the spheres are at least fifty miles away from the source of the stone.
There has been much speculation surrounding the stone spheres. Theories range from Erich Von Däniken’s “Chariots of the Gods” to more recent works like “Atlantis in America – Navigators of the Ancient World” by Ivar Zapp and George Erickson (Adventures Unlimited Press, 1998), and “The Atlantis Blueprint: Unlocking the Ancient Mysteries of a Long-Lost Civilization” by Colin Wilson and Rand Flem-Ath (Delacorte Press, 2001). Unfortunately, such theories have somewhat obscured the true knowledge about the spheres, enveloping them in a mystical aura that often conflicts with genuine archaeological research.
While some authors of these books have portrayed themselves as the discoverers of the spheres, the reality is that the spheres were first exposed in the 1940s. This came to light when the United Fruit Company began deforesting areas to establish their banana plantations throughout the South Pacific of Costa Rica. Archaeologists began their research shortly thereafter, with the first publication on the spheres appearing in 1943. The mystery surrounding the spheres is more a result of lost information and the destruction of the original sites, rather than associations with extraterrestrials or vanished civilizations.
Unlike the “piedras bola” (stone balls) from Jalisco, Mexico, the spheres in Costa Rica are man-made. From the moment of their discovery, these spheres have faced threats. They’ve been damaged by tractors, blasted by treasure hunters, and taken by individuals both within Costa Rica and worldwide for decorative purposes or personal collections. Few remain in their original locations, and even these face threats from the climate and the harsh conditions of the humid rainforest
Locations of the spheres
They were originally found all throughout the South Pacific area of Costa Rica. In the deltas of the Terraba and General rivers, as well as the mouth of the Coto river. Near Golfito (In La Mona and La Purruja communities) and on Isla del Caño.
There are two spheres on display to the public in the U.S. One is in the museum of the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. The other is in a courtyard near the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography, at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Stone Spheres: Craftsmanship, Materials, and Distribution
The enigmatic stone spheres of Costa Rica, often found in the South Pacific, vary widely in size. They range from just a few centimeters to an impressive two meters in diameter, with the largest spheres weighing over 16 tons (approximately 15,000 kg). Crafted almost entirely from granodiorite, a hard igneous stone sourced from the foothills of the nearby Talamanca range, these spheres possess a unique characteristic: despite their sturdiness, they peel away in layers, much like the skin of an onion. As of a 2010 inventory by Ifigeniaquintanilla.com, an estimated 290 spheres have been identified in the South Pacific alone. However, when considering those dispersed throughout the country—in gardens, plazas, and private collections—the number could be as high as 500.
The process of crafting these spheres remains an intriguing aspect of their existence. Given granodiorite’s tendency to exfoliate in layers when exposed to temperature changes, it’s believed that these spheres were shaped using a combination of fracturing, pecking, and grinding, leveraging temperature fluctuations in the process. This method mirrors techniques used in creating other artifacts, such as metates (corn grinders) or stone axes. Once shaped, the spheres were then meticulously ground and polished to achieve their final appearance
The stone spheres of Costa Rica, dispersed throughout its landscapes, remain a testament to the country’s rich past. As of a 2010 inventory by Ifigeniaquintanilla.com, it’s estimated that 290 of these spheres are in the South Pacific. However, considering those scattered in gardens, plazas, and private collections, this number could surge to 500. The crafting techniques behind these spheres are as fascinating as their presence. Granodiorite, the primary material, tends to peel in layers when subjected to temperature shifts. It’s believed that this characteristic was exploited in the spheres’ creation—fracturing, pecking, and grinding them with the aid of temperature variations, followed by meticulous grinding and polishing. This method mirrors that used for other artifacts like metates or stone axes.
Diving deeper into their origins, the Southern Pacific region of Costa Rica was a melting pot of cultures—the South American Chibchan and the North Mesoamerican influences. In this region, however, southern traditions predominated, as seen in their tuber-based diets, distinct from the maize-based ones of the north. Contemporary groups such as the Ngobe-Buglé, Borucas, and Teribe likely trace their lineage back to the original artisans of these intriguing spheres.
Determining the age of Costa Rica’s stone spheres presents a challenge. Traditional methods like Carbon 14 dating don’t apply. However, some insights can be gleaned from their surroundings. Rarely, spheres have been discovered within burial sites dated post-1000 AD and near pottery and iron tools from around 800 AD. This suggests that their creation might span from 200 BC to 800 AD.
Their purpose remains one of history’s enigmas. By the time Spanish explorers set foot on Costa Rican soil, the knowledge of the spheres had already faded into oblivion. A handful that remain in their original spots are intriguingly grouped in alignments—straight and curved lines, triangles, and parallelograms. Such arrangements have stirred speculations, with some suggesting the spheres might have functioned as astronomical maps guiding ancient routes. Yet, these are mere conjectures, and the shroud of uncertainty persists. The ongoing research seems to echo sentiments of ambiguity: hard to determine, hard to comprehend, hard to quantify. Amidst this myriad of unanswered questions, two truths emerge—these spheres are undeniably breathtaking and are a testament to human craftsmanship. The synthesis of these two elements elicits sheer awe.
Today, travelers and enthusiasts can witness these marvels en route to Drake Bay in the Palmar Park, aptly dubbed the Precolombian Spheres Park.
