Ikom monoliths facts for kids
The Ikom monoliths are amazing stone carvings found in Ikom, a place in Cross River State, Nigeria. These special stones are made from volcanic rock. Experts believe the Ejagham people carved them a very long time ago, around the year 200 CE.
What Are the Ikom Monoliths?
There are about 300 of these unique stone pillars. They stand between 0.3 and 1.8 meters tall, which is like 1 to 6 feet high. You can find them arranged in about 30 circles around the Alok area in Ikom.
Many of the monoliths have cool carvings. Some show stylized faces, which are faces drawn in a special, simple way. Others have decorative patterns and mysterious inscriptions. These inscriptions are like ancient writings that no one has fully figured out yet. Researchers think they might be a form of writing or a way the Ejagham people communicated visually.
Why Are They at Risk?
These ancient stones face some dangers. Being outside in the extreme weather can cause them to wear away and break down. This process is called erosion.
Also, the people living nearby don't always see the monoliths as important tourist spots. Because of these risks, the World Monuments Fund added the Ikom monoliths to their list of endangered sites in 2008. This means they need help to be protected.
In 2020, some Ikom monoliths were found at Miami International Airport in the United States. They had been brought there with fake documents. Luckily, these important artifacts will be returned to Cross River, Nigeria, where they belong.
Where Can You See Them?
You can see an example of an Ikom monolith in the British Museum's collection. This one is a medium size and shows human facial features.
