|
Terraba River: Ancestral wonderland |
|
|
|
|
During the 1930's a great archaeological mystery was discovered in the delta of the Terraba River (also known as the Sierpe, Diquis, and General River). Near the towns of Palmar Sur and Palmar Norte, several impressive stone spheres were found. They ranged in size from a few centimeters to over 6.5 feet in diameter. Some weigh 16 tones, and almost all of them are made of granodiorite, a hard, igneous stone.
 The theories surrounding these stone wonders are many. Some archaeologists believe that the spheres were created by the ancient and beligerant Chibcha tribe. They might have used war prisoners as slaves to work the stone, to symbolyze power between groups. The size of the spheres might have been related to the status each group.
Another theory believes that the spheres were an astronomical representation, whit a ceremonial objective or as an orientation calendar. Together with other astronomical instruments, the spheres could have provided detailed information on the dates of solstices, the longest day of the year and the duration of the rainy season.
However, even after years of research, the same questions remain. Who exactly created the stone spheres? How was the round shape accomplished? What was their meaning? The mystery lingers.
|
Geographical Division 
