Recent research on megalithic stele sites of the Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

We discuss a new research effort to identify, document, date and better understand megalithic stele sites of the Gedeo zone in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) of southern Ethiopia. The Gedeo zone is home to numerous stele sites, features that occur as isolates, in small groups, and as localities with numerous stele. We provide an overview of the region and its archaeological heritage, and then describe and report on our recent research efforts, which includes preliminary data related to the emergence of these stele sites, components of their materiality in terms of form, distribution, and stone source, and assessment of charcoal and obsidian recovered from excavations.