5 101 x Studies in the biochemistry of human bones from middle Amazon settlements around Parmana have shown the gradual shift from other crops to maize between 800 BC and AD 100. Maize contains a higher proportion of the carbon-13 isotope than other crops and this is transferred to creatures that eat it.
# Parmana, bearded figurine
6 0 46 9
#IW Goldworking
7 102 G The area around San Agustin was the major ceremonial centre for many communities scattered through the surrounding countryside. Here were built a number of impressive mounds containing elaborate galleries and stone slab tombs. They contained stone statues, probably intended as guardians of the tombs; these mainly depicted a snarling fanged deity reminiscent of Andean gods.
# San Agustin, Statue from a mound at Mesita A
8 101 x The island of La Plata was an important shell-working centre by 2500 BC. Later it was a pilgrimage centre for the local BahÌa chieftains who erected rectangular earthen platforms here, some faced with stone. No houses were found among the many structures here, which also included ramps and staircases.
# La Plata, If possible, one of the structures here.
9 102 D Manta was an important centre of the BahÌa group, contemporary with La Tolita, where terraced pyramid platforms were built and statues erected. Some depicted deities, stylized figures with grotesque features. Others showed individuals, probably chiefs, wearing helmets. A figure described as a mother and child in fact probably shows a person offering a child for sacrifice.
# Manta, 'Mother and child' figurine
10 102 A Between 400 BC and AD 200 more than forty mounds were constructed at the site of La Tolita, often placed around plazas. Drainage ditches, canals and roads were built in the surrounding countryside, showing the organizational power of local community leaders. La Tolita is famous for its magnificent goldwork and for fine mould-made pottery figurines.
# La Tolita, Gold mask
11 101 x By AD 1 the maize farmers of Costa Rica were living in large communities, such as those around Guanacaste. The leaders of these communities were often buried with highly valued goods. These included grindstones, often elaborately decorated. Large stone statues were also being erected, presumably for religious reasons.# Guanacaste
# Guanacaste
12 102 B Lake Guatavita, home of an important god, was the scene of many ritual activities in which gold and tumbaga (gold-copper alloy ) objects were thrown in as offerings. These included the investiture of new kings, who were coated in gold dust before plunging into the lake: the origin of the El Dorado ('golden one') legend.
