Diquis, Costa Rica
Since 2005, the National Museum of Costa Rica has developed the project “Archaeological Investigations at Sites with Stone Spheres, Diquís Delta,” aimed at studying the pre-Columbian occupation of the delta, focusing particularly on archaeological sites where stone spheres are present. At the same time, the project seeks to contribute to the discussion of several topics of regional importance, such as the emergence of ranked societies and their particular characteristics, in light of local developments proposed through genetic and linguistic studies of present-day indigenous groups.
The regional and medium-term approach of this study has allowed for a growing accumulation of information about different periods of occupation and has demonstrated the great potential for knowledge despite decades of looting and agricultural activities. The work has combined inspection, evaluation, and partial excavation of several settlements.
All this information also served as the basis for the documentation of the nomination file for the sites Finca 6, Batambal, Grijalba-2, and El Silencio as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The nomination focused on their importance as representatives of pre-Columbian chiefdom settlements with stone spheres in the Diquís region, and more broadly of the societies that occupied the tropical forest areas of southern Central America.
The nomination was approved in June 2014, and today, along with ongoing regional research, efforts are being made to conserve and manage these sites.
Excavation of the cemetery sector at Finca 6.
Panoramic view of the Batambal archaeological site, Osa, Puntarenas.
BATAMBAL
This site is located on the foothills of the Fila Retinto in the Coastal Mountain Range, on a hill facing the Térraba River. The occupation area has been estimated at approximately four hectares, within which nine structures built with river stones have been found, along with four stone spheres, deposits of ceramic materials, and lithic tools, highlighting the presence of numerous belted axes.
In one of the structures, a context of small stone spheres was found associated with a large number of fragments of human and animal sculptures.
El Silencio
This site extends across an alluvial terrace associated with the Térraba River and the foothills of the Coastal Mountain Range. Within the site, areas have been documented showing evidence of buried structures, lithic tools, sculptures, and petroglyphs, as well as dark soil layers containing ceramic fragments.
To the south of the settlement there is a stone sphere measuring 2.66 meters in diameter, associated with a stone pavement.
GRIJALBA-2
This site is located on a terrace of the Balsar River, a tributary of the Térraba River. The settlement contains a group of ten architectural structures built with river stones and limestone rocks, one stone sphere, a burial space, and concentrations of ceramic and lithic materials.
All of this is distributed across an area of approximately ten hectares.
Finca 6
Located in the alluvial plain formed by the Térraba and Sierpe Rivers, this site was part of the largest and most complex settlement of the delta. It includes several sectors, such as a “plaza-like” area where five stone spheres remain in situ, forming two alignments.
The site also includes a sector with two artificial mounds, an area with a dense concentration of ceramic materials, and another area where a rectangular funerary structure made of rounded stones was discovered.
Diques, Portal
Driven by the recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014—the first designation granted to an archaeological ensemble in Costa Rica—the National Museum of Costa Rica presents the DIQUÍS portal to promote the protection and enjoyment of this invaluable heritage.
DIQUÍS showcases the archaeological legacy of Osa, in the South Pacific of Costa Rica, as well as its privileged natural and cultural surroundings. It includes a 360-degree virtual tour, featuring aerial photographs of the Diquís Delta and the four archaeological sites in Costa Rica declared World Heritage Sites (Batambal, El Silencio, Finca 6, and Grijalba-2), along with mangroves, beaches, rivers, agricultural lands, and towns.
The portal includes four animations illustrating how the pre-Columbian stone spheres were created more than 1,000 years ago, as well as the geological history of this region dating back millions of years.
The main theme of the portal is the evolution of the societies that have inhabited the region, from the pre-Columbian era to the present day, with a strong emphasis on archaeological history.
The portal is organized into seven sections, interconnected with resources such as databases, animations, and a large collection of historical and recent photographs, as well as 360° aerial images that show the Diquís region at its most impressive.
You can visit our website:
www.diquis.go.cr
Or follow our Instagram:
instagram.com/diquiscr
Content and Resources of the diquis Portal
Timeline
This section compiles the main events of the pre-Columbian era, the conquest and colonial period, the banana company era, and recent history.
Territory of the spheres
This section highlights the archaeological elements preserved in the four World Heritage Sites, which help explain the organization of pre-Columbian chiefdom societies, not only in Costa Rica but also in southern Central America. It provides detailed information about the stone spheres as well as other outstanding archaeological artifacts.
Research and Protection
Multicultural Diquís
This section provides information on the social history of the region, from colonial times to the present. It describes the Boruca and Ngöbe indigenous communities as well as the current multi-ethnic population.
Environment
This section offers a 360° aerial photography tour of the ecosystems of the Diquís region and nearby communities. It includes photographs and information about plants, birds, and mammals that inhabit this environment. It also compiles the geological history of millions of years that led to the formation of the delta.
News
This section contains more than 150 records of news articles on the topic, published by Costa Rican and international media, as well as articles produced by the National Museum.
Visit Osa
This section highlights cultural and natural attractions of tourist interest, buildings designated as national architectural heritage, and a list of public spaces where stone spheres can be visited at any time.
Credits for the information in the previous post go to www.museocostarica.go.cr
