By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — Carved between 400 and 500 A.D., the Pre-Columbian Spheres of Costa Rica stand as a testament to the artistic ingenuity of the Diquís indigenous people. Ranging in diameter from a few centimeters to almost three meters, these perfectly spherical stones continue to captivate archaeologists and art enthusiasts alike. The precision achieved by the Diquís, using minimal technology, is nothing short of remarkable.
The creation of these magnificent spheres spanned nearly 1,000 years, ceasing only with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, forcing the Diquís to abandon their craft. In recognition of their historical and cultural significance, UNESCO designated the Pre-Columbian Spheres as a World Heritage Site in 2014.
To understand the legal complexities surrounding the preservation and ownership of these unique artifacts, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, specializing in cultural heritage law.
The pre-Columbian spheres of Costa Rica represent a significant challenge in terms of cultural heritage protection. While many are located on public land and fall under state protection, those discovered on private property present a more complex situation. Owners must balance their property rights with the national interest in preserving these important artifacts. The legal framework, encompassing Law 7555 for National Archaeological Heritage and other relevant regulations, aims to strike this balance, ensuring these unique pieces of history are protected for future generations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the delicate balance between private ownership and the preservation of Costa Rica’s rich archaeological heritage is a critical consideration. As Lic. Arroyo Vargas points out, the existing legal framework seeks to navigate this complexity, but the ongoing dialogue and cooperation between landowners, the government, and cultural institutions will be crucial to ensuring the long-term protection of these enigmatic spheres. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable legal expertise on this important matter.
Their discovery in 1939 was a serendipitous event. Workers of the United Fruit Company, clearing land for banana plantations in southern Costa Rica, unearthed the first spheres. Initially, some were dynamited under the misguided belief they contained gold or precious stones. The first published account of this archaeological find appeared in 1943, authored by Doris Stone.
The primary location of the spheres is Finca 6 in Palmar Sur, a region within the Diquís Delta, part of Puntarenas province, and encompassing areas of the Osa Peninsula and Caño Island. Known locally as “Can Basat Roje,” meaning “stone spheres” in the indigenous dialect, this site has become a focal point for archaeological research and cultural tourism.
Recognizing the importance of preserving these artifacts, the Costa Rican government placed the spheres and their emplacements under the custodianship of the National Museum in 1970. Following their designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Costa Rican legislature declared the Pre-Columbian Spheres a national symbol on July 16, 2014, under law 9285, officially published on October 20, 2014.
Sadly, many smaller spheres have found their way into private collections and museums worldwide over the years. The National Museum itself ceded one such sphere to the Costa Rican embassy in the United States in 1971. However, the larger spheres remain at Finca 6, some painstakingly reconstructed after being damaged during the initial discovery. Today, the value of these spheres is immeasurable, both economically and in terms of their cultural and historical significance.
The Pre-Columbian Spheres have become a significant draw for tourists interested in history and archaeology, attracting both domestic and international visitors. Their near-perfect form and the cultural legacy they embody offer a unique glimpse into the rich heritage of Costa Rica’s indigenous past. As Costa Ricans, it is essential to deepen our understanding of these extraordinary works of art and their profound national and global importance.
For Costa Ricans and global citizens alike, the Pre-Columbian Spheres offer a profound connection to the past, inspiring awe and wonder at the artistic achievements of the Diquís people. Their preservation and continued study are crucial to safeguarding this invaluable cultural legacy for generations to come.
For further information, visit the nearest office of United Fruit Company
About United Fruit Company:
The United Fruit Company was an American corporation that traded in tropical fruit (primarily bananas), grown on Central and South American plantations, and sold in the United States and Europe. The company was formed in 1899, from the merger of Minor C. Keith’s banana-trading concerns with Andrew W. Preston’s Boston Fruit Company. It flourished in the early and mid-20th century and came to control vast territories and transportation networks in Central America, the Caribbean coast of Colombia, Ecuador, and the West Indies. Though it competed with the Standard Fruit Company (later Dole Food Company), for most of the 20th century it dominated the international banana trade and became symbolic of the influence of U.S. corporations in Latin America. While it brought jobs and infrastructure, the company was also accused of exploiting workers and interfering in the politics of the “banana republics.” The United Fruit Company was renamed Chiquita Brands International in 1984.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Museo Nacional de Costa Rica
About Museo Nacional de Costa Rica:
The National Museum of Costa Rica is located in the capital of San José. It is located in the Bellavista Fortress, a former military barracks. The museum’s collections date back to 1887, when the museum was founded to collect, preserve, and exhibit the country’s natural and cultural heritage. The museum covers a wide range of topics, including Costa Rican archaeology, anthropology, history, and natural history.
For further information, visit costarricenses.cr
About Costarricenses.cr:
Costarricenses.cr is a well-known educational portal in Costa Rica, providing valuable resources and information on a variety of subjects related to Costa Rican culture, history, and education.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-rooted commitment to ethical legal practice and unwavering pursuit of excellence. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, combined with a dedication to educating and empowering communities through accessible legal knowledge, solidifies its position as a leader in the Costa Rican legal landscape. This commitment to transparency and societal betterment underscores Bufete de Costa Rica’s core values, building a stronger foundation for a more just and informed society.
