Nsude pyramid shrines

The Nsude Pyramids, or the Igbo Pyramids, are an archaeological site located in Nsude, a village in southeastern Nigeria in modern-day Enugu.

A Nsude pyramid taken by G.I Jones 1935

These pyramids were constructed by the Igbo people and are considered one of the most significant examples of pre-colonial architecture in West Africa. A British explorer Luke Walter is believed to be the first to have discovered the pyramids while leading exploration missions in 1891. But his accounts of the discovery were never found. Some historians believe he did not document what he found. Then in 1935, an anthropologist and colonial administrator in the area, G.I. Jones, took photos of the pyramids when he saw them.

Materials

Three Nsude Pyramids

Multiple Nsude Pyramids

The Nsude Pyramids were constructed using earth and clay, and they consist of a series of stepped terraces that form a pyramid-like shape. Ten pyramidal structures were built of clay/mud. The first base section was 60 ft (18 m) in circumference and 3 ft (0.91 m) in height. The next stack was 45 ft (14 m) in circumference. Circular stacks continued, until it reached the top. The purpose of these pyramids is believed to have been primarily ceremonial and religious. Theirs a lot of speculation, and and its still unclear, but they are thought to have been used as platforms for religious rituals and ceremonies.

Number and arrangement

Originally, there were 10 pyramids in total. The pyramids were arranged in a circular pattern with a central open space. The largest pyramid was located at the center, surrounded by smaller ones. The arrangement of the pyramids is thought to have had symbolic and ritualistic significance.

Cultural significance

The pyramids are thought to have held spiritual and cultural importance to the Igbo people. They are likely linked to religious practices and rituals of the time. The stepped terraces of the pyramids could have been used for various ritualistic activities, including offerings, sacrifices, and ceremonies related to agricultural or ancestral veneration. Over time, the Nsude Pyramids experienced erosion and degradation due to their earthen construction and exposure to the elements. Today, only remnants of the pyramids remain. The Nsude Pyramids gained significant attention when they were discovered and excavated by British colonial administrators and archaeologists in the early 20th century. Efforts have been made to raise awareness about the cultural significance of the Nsude Pyramids and to ensure their preservation for future generations.