The megalithic stelae of Tiya

In the Gurage Zone of southern Ethiopia, a site of large stone pillars, or stelae, is located south of Addis Ababa. These monolithic monuments are known for their unique decorations and were designated a World Heritage Site in 1980. The stelae of Tiya are adorned with plant-like symbols, human figures, and swords, likely marking a large, prehistoric burial complex.

Archaeologists have identified three types of stelae at the site: anthropomorphic stelae with human figures, phallic stelae, and stelae of neither type. The anthropomorphic and non-anthropomorphic/non-phallic stelae are flat in shape, being the only stelae of this form in the southern region. Of the 46 stelae at Tiya, which are the largest in the area, many feature distinctive decorations including swords, plant-like symbols, and a standing human figure with arms akimbo. Some of these rock slabs also feature a T-shaped symbol.

While local residents once attributed the structures to Ahmad ibn Ibrahim, they were actually constructed centuries before his lifetime. Historians have theorized that they may be of Aksumite origin or related through a common regional culture. The identity of the megalith builders remains difficult to determine, as archaeologists often lack the oral historical accounts needed to reconstruct the ethnic histories of these ancient civilizations.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons