Mysterious Stone Spheres

A close look into The Stone Spheres of Costa Rica and the much debated nature of the origins to these mysterious artifacts   . . . 

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​While in Costa Rica, I could not help but investigate some of the stone spheres that this region is known for. There are hundreds of these mysterious objects scattered across the countryside, but the easiest way to observe these artifacts for yourself is to visit The National Museum of Costa Rica in downtown San Jose. 

Debating Their Ancient Origin

​Highly recognizable from the opening scene of Raiders of the Lost Ark, the mysterious stone spheres of Costa Rica have provided a sense of wonder for many geologists and archaeologists, along with the occasional conspiracy theorist. Many flock to this region each year to catch their own glimpse of these ancient marvels, each having their own ideas about their origins. 

Typically found around the remains of ancient settlements, stone spheres are a common find in Costa Rica. There is no written record detailing the creation or usage of these artifacts, but they are typically thought to have been the product of the native Diquis people. It is said that these objects were once collected and displayed as symbols of status by members of the ruling class.

Artifacts such as stone and pottery cannot be carbon dated, so it is difficult to place an exact date on these Pre-Columbian objects. Many researchers have suggested that they are around 1,500 years old. This reinforces the idea that those early natives were responsible for the design and placement of these artifacts. 

​Stone spheres are found in a variety of sizes ranging from that of a basketball to over six feet in diameter. Most of them are almost completely round, displaying only the occasional slight imperfections. It should also be noted that some of these blemishes seem to have been caused by improper excavation techniques. 

​In recent times, laws have been passed making it illegal to move stone spheres from their area of discovery. New archaeological finds of this nature will now remain in their original location, where they will be observed and studied in situ.

​There also seem to be variations in the type of rock of which stone spheres are composed, but one thing they share in common is they seem to be located far away from the natural deposits of such materials. One theory suggests that these objects originated as natural boulders, and were hammered into the spherical shape that we now see. After being modified, they would then have then been moved great distances to be used as decorative landmarks. Others may lean more toward a more geological explanation of these rounded surfaces. 

​Other Possible Explanations

The coastlines of New Zealand are a hot spot for this geological variation of stone spheres. The difference we see in these is the more natural and only partially rounded surface. This leads one to believe that these have been produced by the rolling currents of the ocean acting as a giant tumbler. There is also another natural variation of stone spheres in which sediment is compacted into a rounded shape. This phenomenon is known as concretion, and often includes multiple layers that can be chipped away. 

Central America and New Zealand are not the only places where spherical artifacts have been discovered. Carved stone balls are common throughout Scotland as well, though much smaller and displaying decorative shapes and designs. Unlike these Central American artifacts, the European variation of stone sphere technology is much older and leaves no doubt to their human origins. 

My underlying point in this comparison is that the stone spheres of Costa Rica are very much different from other similar artifacts found around the globe. This variety is typically composed of solid basalt-like material, and displays no decorative markings. This leaves a window of speculation open to various interpretations of these artifacts. 

The definitive origin of these artifacts is highly debated. Some do not even consider them artifacts at all, rather products of more natural occurrences. In my honest opinion, these stones are far too round not to have had some human manipulation to their surface. It seems to me that partially round boulders were most likely hammered into this shape with the use of stone tools. Please feel free to comment and let me know your opinion on these objects of ancient mystery. 

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