Ikom monoliths
Encyclopedia
The Ikom monoliths are a series of volcanic-stone monoliths of unknown age ( based on two C14 datings , somewhere between 200 and 1850 AD). They are between 0.3 and 1.8 metres (1 and 6 feet) high, and are laid out in some 30 circles located around Alok
in the Ikom
area of Cross River State
. The monoliths are phallic and some feature stylized faces as well as decorative patterns and inscriptions. Exposure to extreme weather conditions have put these monoliths at risk of erosion and deterioration. They were recently added to the World Monuments Fund
's list of sites in danger and is being considered for inclusion onto UNESCO
's World Heritage Site
list.
Alok
"Alok" is a Sanskrit language word, it means "Light"Aalok is a style of singing used in Javanese gamelan. It is generally performed by the gerong...
in the Ikom
Ikom
Ikom is a Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Ikom in the east of the area on the Cross River and the A4 highway at.It has an area of 1,961 km² and a population of 162,383 at the 2006 census....
area of Cross River State
Cross River State
Cross River State is a coastal state in southeastern Nigeria, bordering Cameroon to the east. Its capital is at Calabar, and it is named for the Cross River , which passes through the state...
. The monoliths are phallic and some feature stylized faces as well as decorative patterns and inscriptions. Exposure to extreme weather conditions have put these monoliths at risk of erosion and deterioration. They were recently added to the World Monuments Fund
World Monuments Fund
World Monuments Fund is a private, international, non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic architecture and cultural heritage sites around the world through fieldwork, advocacy, grantmaking, education, and training....
's list of sites in danger and is being considered for inclusion onto UNESCO
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
's World Heritage Site
World Heritage Site
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance...
list.