An Archaeological Investigation on the Significance of the Stelae of Fato, and Aguffi, Sodo District, Central Ethiopia
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Date
2024-12
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
This study is an archaeological investigation of the significance of the stelae of Fato and Aguffi
located in the Central Ethiopia region of Gurage Zone’s, Sodo district. The study included twenty
three stelae from the Aguffi site and sixty-two stelae from the Fato site. Pre-field and fieldwork data
acquisition techniques were used in the study; for example, fieldwork data acquisition techniques
included physical observation, measuring, documenting, describing, interviewing, and taking pictures
of each stelae was conducted in May 2024. Pre-field data acquisition techniques included reviewing
previous research and consulting with experts. I used qualitative and quantitative methodologies to
assess the information I collected in the field. A significant number of irregular and clustered stelae
that are ascribed to the stelae tradition of the region were identified. Out of the sixty-two stelae of
Fato, four of them are clustered, while the remaining ones are found in semi-organized rows.
Different types of stelae were identified from both sites, like decorated, irregular, conical, drum, and
circular. For analysis, a typological comparison was made with surrounding stelae sites. In addition,
the technological comparison reveals that the stelae of the study area appear to be older than the
stelae of Tiya. Based on their functional attributes, the Site resembles the funerary practices of the
ancient inhabitants of the area. However, the existing context of these sites is deteriorating due to
human and natural factors. Therefore, the study concludes by recommending protective measures
that should be taken as quickly as possible by the concerned bodies.
Keywords: Stelae, Conservation, Clustered, Fato, and Aguffi.
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Keywords
Stelae, Conservation, Clustered, Fato, and Aguffi.