Overview:

The Stone Figures at Ijara in Kwara State, Nigeria are prehistoric archaeological sites located in the northeast part of the country. The figures are located on the northern side of the Rukuba Hills close to the border with Niger State. The area is characterized by thick vegetation and sand. The hill is believed to be a sacred site and it is not known when the figures were created. The figures range from standing human figures to animals and other unidentified sculptures. The site is believed to date back to the pre-historic period and is believed to be related to ancestor worship and rituals. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Nigeria
Prominent Features:

Located in the Kwara State in Nigeria, the Stone Figures at Ijara are an archaeological treasure. These figures were created by the Nok civilisation, one of the earliest African civilisations believed to have lived in Northern Nigeria between 500 BC to 200 AD. The site is made up of approximately one hundred stone figures in various sizes that are believed to represent ancestors and gods that were worshipped by the ancient Nok people. The figures are carved from quartz and quartzite and are adorned with fibres, veils, and metal tokens. The statues have been dated to around 400 BC and have been declared a national monument of Nigeria. The site is an important piece of history and culture that draws the attention of many visitors each year. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Nigeria.

History:

The Stone Figures of Ijara are located in the small village of Ijara in Kwara State, Nigeria. This ancient site is believed to have originated during the period of the Nok Culture, which flourished in parts of Nigeria between 500 BCE and 200 CE. The Stone Figures of Ijara are made from granite and consist of anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures from at least three distinct stratification styles which date from 500 BCE to 550 CE. The Stone Figures of Ijara represent a blend of Nok, Yoruba and possibly other West African cultural styles that evolved over the centuries. They are thought to represent the gods and ancestral spirits who were believed to protect the people of the town. The figures depict humans, animals, supernatural beings and mythical creatures that represent a playful and whimsical interpretation of the Yoruba culture. The figures vary in size and range from small sculptures less than ten centimeters tall to large monuments over fifty feet in height. The figures are believed to have been created through a method of stone carving and stoneworking techniques that were prevalent in the region before the advent of metalworking. The Stone Figures of Ijara remain an important cultural and archeological site in Kwara State and represent a fascinating intersection of spiritual and mythological beliefs from different African cultures. Although the exact age and purpose of the stone figures remain undetermined, they continue to be an important part of the local culture and provide visitors with a unique insight into the cultural and religious practices of past African civilizations. Visit one of the famous monuments of Nigeria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

- The stone figures were first discovered in 2010. - The figures are believed to have been created between the 8th and 10th centuries by members of the ancient Nok culture. - The stone figures range in size from 35 cm to 150 cm in height. - The figures depict a variety of human forms, animals, and supernatural figures. - The figures are believed to have been used as markers of important sites and as boundary markers. - They may also have served a more spiritual purpose, as they were often placed near water sources and other areas of spiritual importance. - The figures are usually made out of a single block of stone, but some of the figures are made from two blocks joined together. - It is believed that the stone figures were carved using stone-age tools such as hammerstones and anvils. - The figures are believed to have been painted in red, black, and white. - Many of the figures are seen with curled arms, hands, and headdresses. - The figures are seen as an important part of Ijara's cultural heritage and have led to the creation of a museum in the town. One of the historical monuments of Nigeria, it tells the story of a bygone era