Megaliths in Ethiopia: The Case of Gurage Highlands

Megalithic structures of diverse size and shape occur in different parts of Ethiopia, a country dubbed as a land of megalithic culture. While stelae, dolmens and tumuli are considered as typical markers of the megalithic culture of the country, sites comprising megaliths with only local designations have also been known.Compared to the wider distribution of the sites, however, the emphasis given to the subject has been meagre. This archaeological study, carried out in Gurage highlands, covers fourteen sites located in six localities of the districts of Sodo and Mehur-Aklil. The study has resulted in the identification of a montage of megalithic structures comprising tambourines associated with a tumulus and decorated flat stelae in Sodo, and dressed undecorated stelae of varying shape in Mehur-Aklil. Decoding some of the gravures embelishing the stelae and uncovering the enigma of megalith builders in the study areas have been challenging due to the scanty nature of data pertaining the topic. The book, although largely based on the study conducted in Gurage Highlands, has also included a review of recent investigations of megaliths in Ethiopia.