Precolumbian Chiefdom Settlements with Stone Spheres of the Diquis, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is also ready to surprise travelers with unusual sights. One of the major mysteries of the country are stone spheres. In total, there are about 300 of them. They can be seen at Kiko peninsula and on Cano Island. The mysterious balls of limestone, sandstone or gabbro vary in size. Some of them are only about an inch in diameter, while others reach two meters in section and weigh over 15 tonnes.

The unique attraction was discovered relatively recently, in the 30s of the last century. These items drew attention of the workers who were hired for clearing the land for setting banana plantations. Ten years later, the famous archeologist Lothrop was engaged in the study of stone spheres. Later, they attracted attention of other scientists from around the world. The purpose and a way of creating spheres remain main mysteries.

The investigation is significantly complicated by the fact that, after the discovery, stone balls were repeatedly moved. Now, only six items of the hundreds found remain at the original place. Some of the stones were destroyed by local residents. Before the start of their studies, locals splitted structures hoping to find gold inside. Other items were moved to various museums. You can see them rebuilt in monuments on ordinary city streets. Modern scientists suggest that mysterious stone spheres may have formed as a result of volcanic activity millions of years ago, and later ancient civilizations began to use them to demarcate their lands. To the beginning - Yellowstone National Park