The ancient Igbo pyramids, nestled in the scenic Udi highlands of Enugu State, South-Eastern Nigeria, remain shrouded in mystery – a testament to the rich tapestry of history that weaves through the ages. With an elusive origin and purpose, these remarkable structures continue to captivate our imagination, leaving us to wonder when, how, and why they were built.
Legend has it that the pyramids, also known as the Nsude pyramids, stand in tribute to Uto-Nsude, the revered war hero who transcended mortality to become a community deity. Their origins have intrigued historians, but concrete answers elude us, buried within the sands of time.
European explorers, venturing into the Udi hills in the pursuit of solid minerals, stumbled upon these enigmatic wonders. It was British explorer Luke Walter who first encountered them during exploration missions in 1891. Regrettably, his accounts of the discovery have vanished, raising questions about what he truly encountered and whether he documented it.
Nearly half a century later, in 1935, the renowned anthropologist and colonial administrator G.I. Jones chanced upon the pyramids. As he documented Southeastern Nigerian culture, he captured the essence of these 10 circular stepped pyramids in his photographs, preserving invaluable insights for posterity.
Since Jones' documentation, little has been done to unveil the full extent of their secrets. Sadly, the once-majestic pyramids now lie in ruins, once meticulously maintained with red mud mixed with cow dung. Their striking resemblance to the Step Pyramid of Saqqara in Egypt, with the exception of their conical shape, has sparked curiosity, hinting at possible connections between the ancient Igbo people and Nubian builders of the Egyptian pyramids.
Although similarities emerge, no records exist to definitively tie their construction to the era of the Nubian-built Egyptian pyramids.
Via Uva Nigeria
No comments:
Post a Comment