Stone circles Sine Ngayène, Megalithic complex in Kaolack Region, Senegal
Stone circles Sine Ngayène is a megalithic site in Kaolack Region containing 52 stone circles arranged across a wide area. The formations feature a distinctive central layout and represent one of Africa's most significant concentrations of such ancient monuments.
The site developed over many centuries, starting from around 300 BCE and continuing until the 1600s, serving primarily as burial grounds. The changing burial practices through these different periods left their mark on how the circles were arranged and used.
These stone circles hold deep meaning for the region's communities, serving as spaces where people gather and mark important moments in their lives. The arrangement and scale of the stones reflect how central these places were to shared practices and beliefs.
Visitors should plan to explore both the main stone circle area and the ancient quarry site located to the east. The site spreads over a large area, so comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are practical necessities.
The site features an unusual Y-shaped central layout with a double circle formation that is rarely seen elsewhere in such combination. This distinctive geometry may have served special ritual or social purposes for the people who built and used it.
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