Hawulti, Ancient obelisk in Matara, Eritrea
Hawulti is an ancient obelisk in Matara, Eritrea, standing about 18 feet (5.5 meters) tall and topped with a carved disk and crescent symbol. Its stone surface carries inscriptions in an early form of Ge'ez script, making it one of the few surviving examples of pre-Aksumite writing in the region.
This monument dates to the early 4th century and belongs to the pre-Aksumite period, before the Aksumite Kingdom became the dominant power in the region. It stands as evidence that an organized society with its own writing system and stone-carving traditions was already present here at that time.
The disk and crescent carved at the top of this obelisk point to the worship of the sun goddess Šams and the moon god Sin in this part of the world. The symbols are still visible today, giving visitors a direct connection to the beliefs people held in this region long before written history became widespread.
The site sits at a highland elevation of around 7,800 feet (about 2,380 meters), so bring a layer of clothing even in warm months, as mountain weather can shift quickly. The ground around the obelisk can be uneven, and sturdy shoes make the visit more comfortable.
Unlike many other obelisks from the same period in the region, Hawulti still stands in its original upright position rather than having been toppled or relocated. This makes it one of the rare pre-Aksumite stone monuments that visitors can see today largely as it was first erected.
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