Ndakunimba Stones

The Ndakunimba Stones are 14 stone fragments with deeply carved angular patterns, with the largest piece weighing about 40 tons. These fragments came from a tall monolith that now rests broken against a hillside.

Explorers Bruce and Sheridan Fahnestock discovered these stone fragments between 1935 and 1937 during an expedition for the American Museum of Natural History. The site has been studied by researchers since its discovery.

The local Mabuco people call these stones Vatu Vola, linking them to ancient trade routes that connected various Pacific islands. The site holds meaning in local stories about maritime connections from long ago.

The site is somewhat remote and requires planning before a visit, as it sits on a hillside location. Wear sturdy shoes and go during daylight hours when visibility is best.

The stones bear carved characters that remain undeciphered, with some forms resembling symbols from ancient writing systems. This has puzzled researchers and sparked questions about possible early contact between distant peoples.