I. Cultural Identity

Promotion
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The stone spheres of the Diquís Valley reveal expression of unparalleled intensity, tenacity, acumen, passion, and spiritual consciousness of any recognized Pre-Columbian civilization. The innovation, skillfulness, and resourcefulness of this indigenous Costa Rican community evidences a complex perception and intellect, distinct from documented anthropological cultures, thus puzzling and bewildering contemporary scientists, theorists, and archaeologists. The magnificence of the stone spheres is beginning to be acknowledged as scientists confirm their inexplicable splendor and rarity, and Government officials activate unprecedented national directives, programs, and financial support in recognition of their historical and cultural value.

Over the last thirty years, hundreds of stone spheres have disappeared from their original locations in the Diquís Valley, in the southern region of Costa Rica. What was once a landscape dotted with curiously aligned stone sculpture among mounds of earth is now just any other landscape. What was unique to this land, and to this people, has been stripped from them. Ultimately what has been taken from the nation of Costa Rica has also been taken from collective humanity: the opportunity to understand the society that fashioned the peculiar sculptural forms.

Costa Rica's newly elected president, Abel Pacheco, is expected to mandate the protection, preservation, and funding of repatriation efforts and continued research of the ancient works of art and their native historical context - a radical and unprecedented directive unlike any other in history that is certain to become an international model, advancing archaeological and anthropological progress across the world. The Museo Nacional de Costa Rica is overseeing the project to ensure the protection of this unique international cultural zone. Land has been donated by a banana co-operative for cultural excavation, and further land acquisition in the way of direct purchases, donations, and dedicated land set aside by the Government is underway. Master Planning detailing park and research areas is in progress, as is collaboration with local townships.

The primary goals are 1) to provide a landscape setting to advance the study of the stone artifacts, in order to answer the uncertainty of their purpose, production, and significance to the civilization that created them, 2) to showcase the stone spheres, 3) to reinstate the cultural heritage of the local inhabitants by initiating the 'homecoming' of the removed spheres, and 4) to provide opportunity for entrepreneurial enterprises for the impoverished townships of the Diquís Valley centered around tourism.

The Master Planning provides the overall site use of appropriated land, allowing for an organized cultural circuit for recreation and research, of unprecedented nature. The plan outlines the transportation and tourism infrastructure, including hotels, amenities, park space, research facilities, preservation areas, etc. The Plan also allocates state-sponsored programs for the promotion and training of Palmar inhabitants for tourism services.

Donors and collaborators are being sought after in order to lock arms to protect the peninsula from further deprivation and enhance the continued study of the stone spheres. The project has been initiated in conjunction with the fervent leadership of The Landmarks Foundation, a non-profit organization that protects sacred sites, and the Museo Nacional de Costa Rica.