Costa Rica: Zones of Archeology | Costa Rica: Zonas de Arqueología

Costa Rica is a country rich with history and culture. Costa Rica is located in Central America, south of the country of Nicaragua and north of Panama. It is bordered to the east by the Caribbean Sea and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. Costa Rica has a population of approximately 4.2 million people. It is geographically diverse, with a subtropical climate, and many areas receive much rain throughout the year. It also contains volcanoes and mountains, with lowlands and plains in between. Historically, Costa Rica contains 3 different cultural zones of archaeology: the Guanacaste-Nicoya zone, the Central Highlands/Watershed zone, and the Diquis zone.

• Factbook: Costa Rica
• Costa Rica History
• Costa Rica Information
• Costa Rica Details
• Archaeology of Costa Rica

The Guanacaste-Nicoya cultural zone is located in the northwest portion of the country, extending into a peninsula to the west. This region differs from much of the rest of the country in that it experiences a dry season when there is little rainfall and only a dry heat for half of the year. The wet season, from May through December, receives up to thirty-six inches of rainfall. This zone houses volcanoes as well as mountain ranges in the Nicoya peninsula. The region used to have many more wooded areas before they were destroyed by deforestation. The western coastline parallels the Pacific Ocean and also contains the Gulf of Nicoya south of the peninsula. The people indigenous to this region were known as Chorotega Indians, and many of their jade and ceramic artifacts have been found in this area.

• Costa Rican Archaeology
• Naturally Costa Rica
• Costa Rica Artifacts: Guanacaste-Nicoya
• Volcanoes of Costa Rica
• Guanacaste Artifacts

The Central Highlands/Watershed area is located in the central part of Costa Rica. This region contains part of the Talamanca Mountain range running through to the south toward Panama. It is bordered on the east by the Caribbean Sea and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. It also includes the capital city of San Jose. This region receives much more rainfall compared to its northern counterpart. The rainy season can bring up to 15 feet of rainfall a year and flooding is not uncommon. One of the indigenous tribes of this zone was known as the Bribri people, who were dominated by Spain when Christopher Columbus landed on Port Limon. Ancient gold and stonework artifacts have been found here.

• Heilbrunn Art History
• Costa Rica: Central Zone
• Cultural Survival
• Costa Rica Collections
• Costa Rican Ceramics

The Diquis zone occupies the southern half of the country of Costa Rica, containing the Osa Peninsula to the southwest, and bordered by the Diquis Delta; Pacific Ocean; and Golfo Dulce, found south of the peninsula. This region also receives more rainfall, similar to the Central Highlands and can receive up to 15 feet of rainfall per year. This alternates with a dry season from June to November. Ethnic people to this zone were called Borucas or Guayami. Interesting artifacts that have been found throughout this region are granite spheres of all sizes. The remarkable shape has been studied for its properties and has mystified scientists about its purposes.

• Landmarks Foundation: Diquis Stones
• Costa Rica: Native Inhabitants
• Archaeology of the Diquis Delta
• Diquis Artifacts
• Diquis Stone

The small country of Costa Rica has a rich ancient history dating back thousands of years. Further exploration into artifacts and the study of people groups shows this was once a land full of culture, and that culture is carried into the lives and geography of those who live there and who visit today.

Published on 2009-11-05