Penis Size MATTERS


Phalluses in Ethiopia


	A stelae is a stone or wooden slab, generally taller than it is wide, erected for funerals or commemorative purposes, most usually decorated with the names and titles of the deceased or living — inscribed, carved in relief or painted onto the slab. It can also be used as territorial markers to delineate land ownership.

	Most stelaes are not phallic. In Ethiopia however, there are many phallic stelaes.


	Tututi Stelae



	The Tutu Fela Stelae Field is one of the most impressive archaeological sites out of the 50 or so fields known in the Gedea zone, the other site being Tututi. There are two styles of stelae: the phallic stelae thought to date from the 9th century and the anthropomorphic stelae, thought to date from the 12th century. Tutu Fela has around 300 stelae of both styles (mostly anthropomorphic), whereas the Tututi stelae are mostly phallic and some standing up to 6m high. These obelisks are essentially grave stones and excavation has revealed artefacts ranging from iron and copper bracelets, to pottery, beads and tools, which were buried along side the occupant.



	Tututi stelae field, field of about 1200 stelae (mostly phallic) marking ancient graves.



	More than 10000 stelae or menhirs are scattered across the south of Ethiopia. The most ancient, probably over one thousand years old, are the phallic ones cylindrical in shape and rounded at the top with an incision on the upper part. Most of them have probably marked graves.


	Sakarusodu stelae field


	Axum Obelisks

	No one really can be sure who created the huge obelisks (stelae) at Axum, or indeed why they were built. Some believe that they were intended as some sort of memorial to the former rulers of Ethiopia, perhaps as long ago as 2,000 to 5,000 years. Whatever the real story behind these beautifully carved monoliths, they still bear more than a hint of mystery for visitors today.


	Field of stelae in Axum



	Dating from around 300-500 AD, most the Axum stelae seem to predate the arrival of Christianity to Ethiopia. Their purpose is almost certainly religious, but the details are not known for certain. The stelae were most likely funeral monuments for Axum's ancient rulers, who may have been buried in tombs beneath them. Some have altars at the base with grooves cut into them to carry away blood from sacrifices. Christianity was adopted by the royal family in Axum in the 4th century AD, and by the population at large in the 5th century, which means these stelae date from a fascinating period of religious change. Monolithic monuments continued to be erected after the arrival of Christianity, and several with Christian inscriptions can be found.