Precolumbian Chiefdom Settlements with Stone Spheres of the Diquís
Precolumbian Chiefdom Settlements with Stone Spheres of the Diquís
The property includes four archaeological sites located in the Diquís Delta in southern Costa Rica, which are considered unique examples of the complex social, economic and political systems of the period AD 500–1500. They contain artificial mounds, paved areas, burial sites and, most significantly, a collection of stone spheres, between 0.7 m and 2.57 m in diameter, whose meaning, use and production remain largely a mystery. The spheres are distinctive for their perfection, number, size and density, and placement in original locations. Their preservation from the looting that befell the vast majority of archaeological sites in Costa Rica has been attributed to the thick layers of sediment that kept them buried for centuries.
Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0
Établissements de chefferies précolombiennes avec des sphères mégalithiques du Diquís
Ce bien concerne quatre sites archéologiques situés dans le delta du Diquis, au sud du Costa Rica. Ils représentent différentes structures d’établissements de sociétés de chefferie (500-1500 apr. J.-C.) et contiennent des monticules artificiels, des zones pavées, des sites funéraires et, surtout, une collection exceptionnelle de sphères mégalithiques de grande dimension (de 0, 7 à 2,57 m de diamètre). Le fait que leur signification et leur usage restent largement inconnus et que leur processus de fabrication, bien qu’en partie compris, ne puisse être entièrement expliqué, contribue à leur mystère. Ces sphères sont rares par leur perfection et leur grande taille, mais aussi par leur nombre et leur disposition à leurs emplacements d’origine. Leur préservation du pillage qui a frappé la majorité des sites archéologiques du Costa Rica tient aux couches de sédimentation qui les ont enterrés pendant des siècles.
Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0
Asentamientos Cacicales Precolombinos con Esferas de Piedra de Diquís
Este sitio se halla al sur del país y abarca cuatro zonas de vestigios arqueológicos, ubicadas en el delta del río Diquís, que se consideran testimonios excepcionales de los complejos sistemas sociales, económicos y políticos imperantes en el periodo comprendido entre los años 500 y 1.500 de nuestra era. El sitio comprende túmulos, áreas pavimentadas, sepulturas y, en particular, toda una serie de esferas de piedra de 0,7 a 2,57 metros de diámetro cuya fabricación, utilización y significación siguen constituyendo en gran parte un misterio hasta nuestros días. La notable peculiaridad de esas esferas estriba en la perfección de sus formas, así como en su número, tamaño y densidad, y también en el hecho de que se hallan en sus emplazamientos primigenios. La circunstancia de que estos vestigios permanecieran enterrados durante siglos bajo gruesas capas de sedimentos puede explicar que hayan logrado salir indemnes del saqueo de que ha sido víctima la gran mayoría de los sitios arqueológicos costarricenses.
source: UNESCO/ERI
Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0
ディキスの石球のある先コロンブス期首長制集落群
コスタリカ南部のディキス地方に残る4つの遺跡群。いずれも6世紀から16世紀にかけて栄えた文化のもので、4つの遺跡は、おのおの異なった首長制社会の集落構造を代表するとともに、当時の経済および政治システムのユニークな例と考えられている。構成資産には、塚や埋葬地、特に印象的なものとして最大で直径2.57mにもおよぶ数百体の石球も含まれている。その製造工程や作製用具は不明であるが、先コロンブス期の芸術的伝統と工作技術の高さを示す類い稀な証拠となっている。source: NFUAJ
Precolumbiaanse ‘chiefdom’ nederzettingen met stenen Diquís bollen
De precolumbiaanse ‘chiefdom’ nederzettingen bestaan uit vier archeologische plekken in de Diquís Delta in het zuiden van Costa Rica. Ze worden beschouwd als unieke voorbeelden van de complexe sociale, economische en politieke systemen van de periode 500 tot 1500 na Christus. De gebieden hebben kunstmatige terpen, verharde terreinen, begraafplaatsen en – het belangrijkst – een verzameling stenen bollen. Hun diameter varieert van 0,7 tot 2,57 meter en de betekenis, het gebruik en de productie ervan blijft grotendeels een mysterie. De bollen zijn bijzonder vanwege hun perfectie, aantal, grootte, dichtheid en de manier waarop ze geplaatst zijn in hun oorspronkelijke locatie. De stenen bollen zijn bewaard gebleven dankzij de dikke lagen sediment waaronder ze eeuwenlang begraven lagen. Hierdoor kon men het gebied niet plunderen, iets dat bij de overgrote meerderheid van archeologische sites in Costa Rica wel is gebeurd.
Source: unesco.nl
Precolumbian chiefdom settlements with stone spheres of the Diquís
© Museo Nacional de Costa Rica
Outstanding Universal Value
Brief synthesis
The serial nomination of four archaeological sites (Finca 6, Batambal, El Silencio and Grijalba-2) located in the Diquís Delta in southern Costa Rica illustrates a collection of unique stone spheres located in chiefdom settlement structures of the Precolumbian period. The four sites represent different settlement structures of chiefdom societies (500-1500 CE) containing artificial mounds, paved areas and burial sites. Special objects of wonder and admiration are the distinctive Diquís stone spheres, which are rare in their perfection of large-sized (up to 2.57m diameter) spherical structures but are also distinct for their number and location in their original positions within residential areas.
Criterion (iii): The Precolumbian Chiefdom Settlements with Stone Spheres of the Diquís illustrate the physical evidence of the complex political, social and productive structures of the Precolumbian hierarchical societies. The chiefdoms which inhabited the Diquís Delta created hierarchical settlements expressing the division of different levels of power centres, presented by the different serial components. Likewise, the exceptional stone spheres, which continue to leave researchers speculating about the method and tools of their production, represent an exceptional testimony to the artistic traditions and craft capabilities of these Precolumbian societies.
Integrity
The four property components contribute specific elements which allow for the understanding of the chiefdom settlement structures. Finca 6 is the only site retaining stone spheres in linear arrangements, Batambal is the only chiefdom settlement visible from a far distance, El Silencio contains the largest single stone sphere ever found, and Grijalba-2 site is unique for its use of limestone and its distinctive characteristics as a subordinate centre, as opposed to the Finca 6 site, which was likely a principal centre. All four sites show to differing degrees signs of the negative impact of past agricultural development and looting of archaeological sites. However, the material which remains preserved in situ is significant enough to express the different aspects of Outstanding Universal Value.
Batambal site is located in close proximity to dwellings and might be negatively impacted by future urban development. In addition, two large development projects, the Diquís Hydroelectric Dam and the Southern International Airport, are currently being discussed. The State Party has committed to undertaking Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA’s) for both projects and given assurances that it will give full consideration and priority to preventing impacts on the Outstanding Universal Value, if either of the projects are to be implemented.
Authenticity
Previous excavations were limited to test sections and most excavation pits have been reburied following the completion of archaeological recording. As a result, the authenticity of the property with regard to design, material, substance, location and workmanship is satisfactory. A challenge for retaining authenticity of setting is the lack of knowledge of the extent of forest clearance during Precolumbian times, which increases the difficulties in judging sight relations between different structures and landscape elements that contribute to the site’s original setting.
Finca 6 site also contains a collection of stone spheres confiscated following previous looting, the original locations of which mostly remain unknown. To distinguish those stone spheres which are in their authentic locations from those which have been relocated, it would need to be indicated more clearly that these spheres are no longer presented in their original position.
Protection and Management requirements
The four components are protected as archaeological sites of public interest according to Law No 6703 on National Archaeological Heritage. This constitutes the highest possible protection for an archaeological site at national level. In addition, the stone sphere settlements proposed in this nomination received legal protection in addition to the highest national level through Presidential Decree 36825-C, which highlights their intended future status as World Heritage Sites.
The legislation attributes exclusive legal authority over the archaeological sites to the State, represented by the National Archaeological Commission and the National Museum. The legal protection of the four component sites is exemplary and complete. To ensure equally high legal protection of the buffer zones, their integration in the new Regulatory Plan for Osa County needs to be finalized.
The management of the four site components is overseen and coordinated by the National Museums of Costa Rica. This institution is supported by an Advisory Council for this specific task. The State Party submitted a Management Plan in February 2014, which outlines the vision and strategic objectives for site management for a period of up to 6 years. It is envisaged to complete necessary conservation activities at all four component sites and provide visitor interpretation and presentation as well as facilitate future accessibility to the three sites not yet open to the public, Batambal, Grijalba-2 and El Silencio.
It seems essential for the success of the management plan implementation that the financial and human resources required for the administration and management of all four site components will be available to the National Museums of Costa Rica, to allow for site managers and guardians to be present on site. For the future protection and conservation of the Precolumbian Chiefdom Settlements with Stone Spheres of the Diquís it also seems essential that Heritage Impact Assessments are undertaken for any proposed developments which might have the potential to negatively impact the property.
