Alok Ikom Monoliths, group of stone sculptures found in a small area around Ikom in Cross River State, Nigeria
Alok Ikom Monoliths comprise over 300 carved stone structures distributed across thirty communities, ranging from 3 to 20 feet (1 to 6 meters) in height. They are arranged in circular patterns and display intricate geometric designs carved into their basaltic surfaces.
The Ejagham people carved these monoliths from volcanic stone around 200 CE, embedding them with symbolic representations and intricate patterns. This tradition reflects a significant period in the artistic and spiritual development of the region.
Local communities call these monoliths Akwasnshi or Atal, with each stone serving as a memorial to the dead and representing ancestral spirits. They remain central to how people understand their connection to ancestors and to the land itself.
The dry season offers the best conditions for visiting, as paths to the different sites become easier to walk. Guided tours departing from Ikom are the recommended way to explore the scattered monolith sites and understand their context.
Inscriptions carved into the stones remain undeciphered, offering a mystery that researchers continue to study today. These cryptic marks may represent an early system of communication used by the Ejagham people.
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