The carved swords
Symbols on stone.
Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — CC BY 2.0 · Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — CC BY 2.0 · Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — CC BY 2.0 · Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — CC BY 2.0 · Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — CC BY 2.0
The Tiya Stelae are an archaeological site in central Ethiopia, south of Addis Ababa, known for large stone pillars, many of them carved. UNESCO listed the site as a World Heritage Site in 1980. It stands in an open green field near a small village, and its mysterious stones look like the remains of a language no one can read. It is an easy trip from the capital, with few visitors. The archaeologist Joussaume, who led work here, considered the site fairly recent, dating it to between the 11th and 13th centuries. Later dating places the stelae between the 10th and 15th centuries. UNESCO says 32 of them are engraved with enigmatic symbols, notably swords. They likely mark a large burial site, though who raised them remains unclear. You see rows of dark stones of varying heights, some standing and some leaning or fallen. Their faces carry carved swords, plant symbols and simple human shapes, clearest in low light. Do not climb the stones or touch the carvings. You may find a local guide at the entrance to help you read the symbols, which is useful. It is about 67 km in a straight line from Addis Ababa and needs a car. The ground is muddy in the rainy season, so the best time is October to February, and sturdy shoes help.
Symbols on stone.
Standing, leaning, fallen.
A calm, open scene.
Soddo district, south of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
This is not settled, and while the site is probably a burial ground the symbols remain a mystery.
Yes, it is a half-day trip by car from Addis Ababa.