THE DIQUIS STONE SPHERES

Author Carlos Humberto Morales Barrantes

The stone spheres are a representative sculptural element of the chiefdom societies of the Diquís delta. These artifacts were used as symbolic, ritual, socio-political objects, and possibly as chronological, status, and power markers. Its manufacture constituted an extended tradition, approximately between 300-400 BC. until 1500 A.D. During this period, its production and use reached its maximum development.

Through them, people, communities, and societies transmitted spiritual, social, and cultural values, which is why they were located in privileged places within the main settlements, on the entrances of important people’s homes, and in public spaces, even forming alignments.

In the archaeological sites Finca 6, Batambal, El Silencio, and Grijalba 2, stone spheres were used in strategic spaces, highlighting their ideological, political, and ceremonial character.

At present, the stone spheres have been incorporated into some regions of the social and cultural community life of the region’s populations, mainly as a symbol of identity. Some contemporary artisans have dedicated themselves to making objects of this type inspired by their ancestral stone spheres.

A MUSEUM THAT EXALTS THE
CULTURE OF THE AREA

The Finca 6 Site Museum Visitor Center has the exhibition “Diquís, a singular region” with bulk sculptures and spike sculptures, which, together with the stone spheres, are representative and particular sculptural manifestations of the Pacific South of Costa Rica. Objects of this nature have been found in the archaeological sites Finca 6, Batambal, El Silencio, and Grijalba 2. Also, in the center, visitors will be able to see ceramic objects representing the region that are part of this exhibition.

When you enter the archaeological site, you will be able to observe spheres preserved in their original site. They are associated with circular structures (mounds) and public or communal used spaces, where it is possible to identify two sets of aligned spheres. Due to the action of sedimentation in the area, they are semi-buried. Thanks to their large size, it is possible to observe a part of the piece that protrudes from the surface and is known as the crown.

This sector constitutes one of the most attractive spaces for visitors. During April and the month of August, three spheres are aligned with the sun during the solar zenith period. This phenomenon has been studied by expert archaeologists and the staff of the National Museum of Costa Rica’s archeology department.

The visitor center is located in the community of Finca 6-11. The temporary schedule is from Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm, and until further notice, admission is free. The visit is safe, all hygienic measures are taken, following the Ministry of Health’s protocols. Come and know part of our history!