Pre-columbian sphere exhibition in Osa on April 13th

An exhibition of pre-columbian stone spheres will take place in Osa, in the south central Pacific coast of Puntarenas from April 13th to the 15th, in the 7th Festival de Esferas (Sphere Festival), that will also feature artistic activities like music, dancing, parades, literature and movies.

The region of Osa, including other districts like Sierpe, Palmar, Bah�a Ballena and Puerto Cortes is very rich in archeological value, in places like Batambal, Finca 6 and Finca 4, with remains of the native cultures that lived in the country before the discovery of Costa Rica by Christopher Columbus. In these places, the “borucas” celebrated public, massive festivities that were an important part of their culture.

The pre columbian spheres were hand crafted by artisans between 300 and 1.500 AD, using big blocks of stone, and they are believed to be related to the most important persons in their communities.

The main goal of the festival is to inform the community and tourists about the importance of the archeological and cultural heritage of the zone, as Asociaci�n de Desarrollo Integral de Palmar Sur (ADI) chairwoman, Elizabeth Arias said.

One of the most expected activities in the schedule is a walk through the Finca 6 in Palmar Sur, the only place where the spheres remain in its original alignment, which has been linked to astronomical phenomenons. It will be a guided visit, directed by archeologist Francisco Corrales, on Saturday 14th at 5:30 a.m., in order to watch the sunrise and its position with the spheres.

That same day at Finca 6, a Costa Rica birdwatching tour will take place, and visitors are encouraged to take binoculars.

The Festival will be inaugurated on Friday at 10 a.m. in Palmar Sur, at the central park. There will be a fair with typical food and hand crafted art. The Festival is aimed to audiences of all ages, with outdoors movies, concerts, clowns, school band parade, fireworks, talks and workshops about environmental education and cultural heritage, and others.

The complete schedule and transportation info can be found at the National Museum’s Facebook page or by calling phone numbers 2256-8643 2256-4139.