The Esie Stone Figures

Kwara · Nigeria · Museum

Around the more than 800 stone figures of Esie, it is said they were once people – an entire community petrified by the wrath of the gods.

The town of Esie in Kwara State holds Africa's largest collection of stone carvings: over 800 soapstone figures, said by tradition to have been discovered by a hunter in the 18th century. The most widespread legend tells that the figures were once rebellious settlers who defied the local ruler and, as punishment, were turned to stone by the god of the land. An Ifa priest is said to have declared that the images had once been living people, whereupon the villagers began worshipping them out of fear of sharing their fate. The true origin of the figures remains an archaeological mystery to this day.

FAQ

Hvor ligger The Esie Stone Figures?

The Esie Stone Figures ligger i Kwara, Nigeria.

Oplysningerne bygger på lokal folketro og vidneberetninger.