Pre-Ekoi/Ejagham Monolith

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Dating back to the 11th-14th century, this massive stone monument gifted by Didier Claes from Brussels made a lasting impression at Frieze Sculpture Park in 2015 as one of sixteen featured works on display. In north-east Nigeria, similar monoliths stood alone or grouped together in designated areas on village perimeters where community events took place. These towering structures served as emblems for the Eblabu secret society, a group entrusted with enforcing harsh penalties, including death sentences, for those who broke community laws. Hundreds of these monolithic sculptures once dominated many villages within the Cross River region. First reported at the turn of the 20th century, their numbers have significantly dwindled to nearly nothing today. Originally situated in circular formations at village centers, they were frequently relocated and repurposed during diverse ceremonies. Each year, the monoliths would be buried up to the navel and then meticulously painted with vibrant colors - white, yellow, and blue.