The largest and most representative collection of stelae are to be found near the village of Tiya.
Originally forty-six stelae were erected in the cemetery between the tenth and fifteenth centuries. Archaeological excavations show that the site contains graves. The stelae of Tiya have carvings representing swords and various enigmatic signs quite unlike those of other regions. The tradition of erecting megalithic monuments is very ancient in Ethiopia; some date from before our era. The site of Tiya is inscribed in the World Heritage List.
Plan of action
The Tiya project has included the re-erection of some fallen stelae already completed, together with archaeological excavations by the French teams. The construction of an exhibition hall with information about the stelae fields is now in progress.
Ethiopia