Description
Akwasnshi/Atal as the monolith is called among the Ejagham people of the Cross River State is distributed among over” thirty communities. In each community, the stones are found in circles, sometimes perfect circles, facing each other standing erect, except where they have been tampered with by weather or man.
In some cases, the stones are found in the center of the village or in the central meeting place of the village elders, as in the case of Alok and Agba communities. In Etinan and Nabrokpa communities, the stones are located in an area of uncultivated forest outside the villages. The majority of the stones are carved in hard, medium-textured basaltic rock, a few are carved in sandstone and shelly limestone. The common features of the monoliths are that they are hewn into the form of a phallus ranging from about three feet in height to about five and half feet and are decorated with carvings of geometric and stylized human features, notably two eyes, an open mouth, a head crowned with rings, a stylized pointed beard, an elaborately marked navel, two decorative hands with five fingers, a nose, various shape of facial marks.
300 carved stones standing upright in circles, facing each others in groups with images and texts inscribed on the monoliths are how you would see Alok Ikom Monoliths (UNESCO World Heritage Site) that are in form of a phallus.
Location: Ikom, Cross River state.
How to get to Alok Ikom monoliths
The Alok Ikom monoliths are located in the Ikom area of Cross River State, Nigeria. They are about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the town of Ikom and about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the city of Calabar.
To get to the Alok Ikom monoliths, you can take a bus or taxi from Ikom or Calabar. Once you arrive in Ikom, you will need to take a motorcycle or taxi to the village of Alok. The monoliths are located in a field just outside of the village.
The Alok Ikom monoliths are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are a group of about 300 carved stone pillars that were erected by the Ejagham people between the 16th and 20th centuries. The pillars are up to 2 meters (6.6 feet) tall and are decorated with stylized human figures, animals, and geometric designs.
The meaning of the Alok Ikom monoliths is still a mystery. Some scholars believe that they were used as markers for sacred sites, while others believe that they were used as symbols of power or status. The monoliths are a fascinating and mysterious reminder of the ancient culture of the Ejagham people.
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Here are some directions to get to the Alok Ikom monoliths:
- From Ikom, take a bus or taxi to the village of Alok.
- Once you arrive in Alok, take a motorcycle or taxi to the field where the monoliths are located.
- The monoliths are located in a field just outside of the village.
Things to be taken to Alok Ikom
- Snacks and water
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Respectful attitude: The monoliths are a sacred site for the Ejagham people, so it is important to be respectful of their culture and traditions.
