Megalithic heritage sites of Ethiopia: the case of Derbi Belanbel Steles in the Somali region

Abstract

Ethiopia is gifted with various heritage resources, and it has registered its different types of heritage as a world heritage site. The megalithic culture in Ethiopia comprises dolmens, tumuli, and steles which are widely dispersed across the country. Though, the Somali Regional State is rich in natural, cultural, and historical heritage sites scholars have not yet given the attention it deserves. In this regard, the Derbi Belanbel Stele site is among them. Accordingly, this study proposed to explore the steles of the Derbi Belanbel site of Duhun woreda Somali region, Ethiopia. The study employed an exploratory research design and a qualitative research approach to investigating the historical value of the steles of Derbi Belanbel, to assess the shape, style, and height of Derbi Belanbel steles and challenge and prospects of sustaining the steles in the study area. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to choose key informants who have beneficial knowledge, experience, and link with the heritage site. Data were gathered via personal observation, focus group discussion, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis. Concerning data analysis, a thematic data analysis technique was employed. The results of this study revealed that the steles of the Derbi Belanbel site have a historical value having different shapes and heights that could inspire further archaeological and historical research. However, due to poor preservation and conservation practice, some of the steles are on the verge of deterioration or change of their original nature.