Mexico
The stone spheres found in Mexico are primarily associated with the ancient Olmec civilization, which flourished in the region from around 1200 BC to 400 BC. The spheres are typically made of basalt and range in size from a few centimeters to over a meter in diameter. They are often highly polished and may feature intricate carvings or decorations.
Notable researchers who have studied the stone spheres of Mexico include:
Michael Coe - an American anthropologist who has conducted extensive research on the pre-Columbian civilizations of Mexico and Central America, including the Olmec civilization. He has suggested that the stone spheres may have been used as markers of important places or as symbols of political power.
Ann Cyphers - a Mexican archaeologist who has conducted excavations at several Olmec sites, including San Lorenzo and La Venta. She has suggested that the stone spheres may have been used as part of a ritual ballgame played by the Olmec people.
Richard Diehl - an American archaeologist who has conducted research on the pre-Columbian civilizations of Mexico, including the Olmec civilization. He has suggested that the stone spheres may have been used as part of a ritual or ceremonial context, and that they may have been associated with the worship of water and fertility.
Mary Pye - an American archaeologist who has conducted research on the Olmec civilization and the stone spheres of Mexico. She has suggested that the spheres may have been used as part of a complex system of exchange and trade, and that they may have played a role in the development of the Olmec's political and economic systems.
Overall, the stone spheres of Mexico are an important part of the country's pre-Columbian history and continue to be the subject of ongoing research and study by archaeologists and other experts in the field.