Stuff To Blow Your Mind The Artifact: Costa Rica’s Stone Spheres
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Apr 23, 2025 Dive into the mystery of Costa Rica's ancient stone spheres, crafted by the Dicas people between 700 and 1530 CE. Discovered by the United Fruit Company in the 1930s, these spherical wonders have sparked intrigue and debate. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, their purpose and significance remain a captivating puzzle. What secrets do these stones hold about the culture and history of the region?
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Mystery of Costa Rica’s Stone Spheres
- The stone spheres of Costa Rica range from 6 inches to 8 feet and weigh up to 15 tons.
- Their purpose remains a mystery but they likely had social, religious, or astronomical significance for the Dicas people.
Lost Knowledge of the Spheres
- Spanish invaders in the 16th century made no mention of the spheres.
- Their knowledge and the spheres' purpose were lost due to the devastation from European colonization.
Craftsmanship and Possible Functions
- The spheres are made of local igneous rock, polished by sand, and placed far from their source.
- They possibly mark social elite dwellings, boundaries, or serve calendrical or religious functions.