The Enigmatic Senegambian Stone Circles
The Senegambian stone circles, also known as the Wassu stone circles, are a captivating array of megalithic monuments. Located in The Gambia and central Senegal, these stone circles form one of the most extensive sacred landscapes in the world.
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An Overview of the Stone Circles
Spanning a region of 30,000 square kilometers, the Senegambian stone circles consist of over 1,000 stone circles and tumuli. These circles cover an area 350 kilometers long and 100 kilometers wide. This vast collection of stone monuments reflects a continuous use for over 1,500 years. In 2006, UNESCO recognized the significance of these sites by inscribing them on the World Heritage List.
Description and History
The stone circles are found in four primary sites: Sine Ngayene and Wanar in Senegal, and Wassu and Kerbatch in The Gambia. In total, these sites contain around 29,000 stones, 17,000 monuments, and 2,000 individual sites. The monoliths, primarily made of laterite, were originally upright blocks or pillars, some of which have collapsed over time. These monoliths form circles, double circles, or stand alone as frontal stones. When found in two parallel rows, they are referred to as lyre-stones.
Researchers believe these monuments were constructed between the 3rd century BC and the 16th century AD. Burial mounds near the Wassu complex date from AD 927 to 1305, but it’s unclear if the mounds predate or postdate the stone circles. Archaeologists have discovered pottery shards, human burials, and grave goods around these circles, hinting at the rituals and customs of the people who built them.
The Sites and Their Significance
Wassu
Located in Gambia’s Niani district, Wassu comprises 11 stone circles and associated frontal stones. The tallest stone in this area stands at 2.59 meters. The builders of Wassu had a profound understanding of geology and possessed the technical skills to extract and shape laterite stones without causing them to split or crack. The Anglo-Gambian campaign in 1964-65 dated the monuments between AD 927 and 1305.
Kerbatch
Kerbatch, located in Gambia’s Nianija district, features nine stone circles and one double circle. The area includes a unique V-shaped stone that had broken in three places and was restored during the 1965 Anglo-Gambian Stone Circles Expedition. Excavations at Kerbatch revealed important details about the construction and use of these monuments.
Wanar
Situated in Senegal’s Kaffrine district, Wanar consists of 21 stone circles and one double circle. The site contains numerous lyre-stones and is believed to have been a burial ground before the stones were erected for ritual uses. Construction at Wanar dates from the 7th to the 15th centuries AD. Recent excavations have provided insights into the burial practices and the possible existence of funerary houses.
Sine Ngayene
Sine Ngayene is the largest site, featuring 52 stone circles, one double circle, and 1,102 carved stones. The site, located just northwest of Sine, Senegal, was part of the Sine-Ngayene Archaeological Project in 2002. This project uncovered iron smelting sites and quarries, along with evidence of small, linked communities. Sine Ngayene’s central axis forms a Y-shape with a double circle at the center. Researchers have established a timeline for this site, dating from AD 700 to 1350, based on the materials found in successive layers.
Construction and Cultural Significance
The construction of these stone circles required significant labor and organizational skills, indicating a prosperous and structured society. The stones, often cylindrical or polygonal, were typically around two meters high and weighed up to seven tons. The people who built these monuments are not definitively known. Possible builders include the ancestors of the Jola or Wolof people, but some researchers suggest the Serer people, who still use similar funerary practices today.
Modern Recognition and Preservation
Today, these sites are national monuments in both The Gambia and Senegal, protected and managed by respective cultural heritage organizations. The involvement of local communities in the preservation efforts highlights the cultural and historical importance of these stone circles. Educational programs and visitor facilities help raise awareness about the significance of these ancient structures.
Conclusion
The Senegambian stone circles are an enduring testament to the ingenuity and cultural richness of the societies that built them. As researchers continue to explore these sites, they uncover more about the ancient practices and traditions that shaped this remarkable megalithic landscape. The stone circles stand as a monumental reminder of a sophisticated and organized society that thrived in West Africa for over a millennium.
Sources:
Wikipedia
Stone Circles (Gambia and Senegal): No. 1226 (Report).
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