Overview:

is a traditional monument in Nigeria consisting of a pile of stones erected to mark an event. These cairns are a common feature of Nigeria’s traditional landscape and are often used to mark the beginnings and endings of a journey, or to memorialize great events. This particular cairn is believed to have been built some time in the 19th century in honor of a great leader of the local people, the Toros. The cairn is a reminder of the people’s link to their history and culture. It is also a symbol of the unity and the resilience of the local people, as they have managed to endure despite the difficult living conditions since the cairn was built. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Nigeria
Prominent Features:

Kwandonkaya is a cairn of stones located on the foot of Panshanu Pass near Mile 31 on the Jos-Bauchi Road in Toro, Bauchi State, Nigeria. It is an important site for traditional ceremonies and offerings of the local people and it has significant cultural and economic importance. The impetus for the construction of the cairn area was to provide a location for worship by the people, and as a waypoint for trade. It is an area with several stories which were created by the local people, and are very important to the culture of the local area. The cairn at Kwandonkaya is made of mostly stones and rocks that have been gathered from the surrounding area. The size and shape of the site varies from one area to the next, as people have worked to keep it in line with their well-defined rituals and customs. The site is said to contain the history of Toro and its people, and is revered for its spiritual significance. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Nigeria.

History:

The exact origins of the cairn of stones at the foot of Panshanu Pass, near Mile 31 on the Jos-Bauchi Road known as Kwandonkaya are unclear. The cairn has been present since pre-colonial times and its original purpose is unknown. One popular local story is that the cairn was created by migrating people of the Kavuumvulwaar ethnic group as a safe place to stop and rest. According to legend, it was used as a sacred ground and provided travelling people with a place of refuge when they were in danger. During the colonial period, the site was said to have been used for various meetings and activities related to the movement of goods and people throughout the region. It is believed that the cairn was also used to make rituals to ward off evil spirits. In the mid-20th century, archaeological investigations revealed pottery and ancient stone tools from the site, which likely date back between 2,500 and 1,000 BC, suggesting that the cairn has been used consistently for at least 3,500 years. Nowadays, the site is also used as an important historical marker. It serves as a reminder for the local people of their rich culture and history. The cairn is also viewed as a sacred site and thus, it is respected by the locals. Consequently, people hardly disturb the cairn of stones at the foot of Panshanu pass and it continues to stand as a testament to the past. Visit one of the famous monuments of Nigeria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. It is an ancient stone cairn mound located at the foot of Panshanu Pass, near mile 31 on the Jos-Bauchi Road in Toro, Bauchi State, Nigeria. 2. According to local folklore, Kwandonkaya was used as an ancient border marker between the Bauchi and Gwari Kingdoms. 3. The cairn is believed to have been constructed about 600 years ago. 4. It comprises of large granite boulders forming a cairn mound. 5. The base of the cairn is around 5 metres in diameter while the top stretches up to about 8 metres. 6. Its archaeological importance derives from its potential to provide valuable information about pre-colonial politics and ancient trade networks. 7. It is a protected site under the Nigerian Antiquities Law. One of the historical monuments of Nigeria, it tells the story of a bygone era