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Wassu Stone Circles
Central Island
The Wassu Stone Circles, part of the larger Senegambian stone circles complex, are a remarkable collection of megalithic monuments located in The Gambia's Central River Division. These stone circles are composed of upright laterite pillars, some reaching up to two meters in height and weighing around seven tons, arranged in circles or double circles. Archaeological evidence dates their construction roughly between the 3rd century BCE and the 16th century CE, with burials nearby dated between AD 927 and 1305. The site reflects a prosperous and organized ancient society capable of large-scale construction projects. The stones were quarried locally using iron tools and shaped into uniform pillars. The circles are often accompanied by frontal stones, sometimes arranged in parallel rows known as lyre-stones. Despite extensive research, the exact builders remain uncertain, with theories linking them to the Serer, Mande-speaking peoples, or other ethnic groups in the region. The Wassu Stone Circles form part of a sacred landscape used for more than 1,500 years and are recognized for their cultural and archaeological significance, contributing to our understanding of West African prehistoric societies.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to visit during the dry season for easier access and better viewing conditions. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended due to limited onsite facilities. Guided tours provide valuable context and enhance the experience. Discounts may be available for students and groups. The site is open during daylight hours, so plan visits accordingly to maximize exploration time.
Interesting facts
- •The Senegambian stone circles represent the largest concentration of stone circles worldwide, with over 1,000 monuments recorded across Senegal and The Gambia.
- •The stones are made of laterite, quarried locally and shaped into uniform pillars averaging two meters tall and weighing up to seven tons.
- •Some stones, called frontal stones, stand apart from the circles and are sometimes arranged in lyre-shaped parallel rows.
- •Archaeological finds include pottery shards, human burials, and grave goods, some of which are held in the British Museum.
- •The site evidences a highly organized society capable of large-scale megalithic construction over more than 1,500 years.
History
The Wassu Stone Circles are part of the Senegambian stone circles, which have been constructed over a period spanning from around the 3rd century BCE to the 16th century CE.
Excavations have dated nearby burial mounds to AD 927–1305, indicating continued use of the site over centuries.
The monuments demonstrate the presence of a complex and organized society skilled in stone quarrying and construction.
Over time, the site remained significant in the region's cultural landscape, though the original builders remain unidentified, with various ethnic groups claiming ancestral links through oral traditions.
The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006, recognizing its outstanding universal value.
Place Guide
Main Stone Circles3rd century BCE to 16th century CE
The core feature of the Wassu site consists of 11 stone circles made of upright laterite pillars, some of the tallest in the region, arranged in circular formations with diameters between four to six meters. These circles are accompanied by frontal stones positioned eastward, which may have held ritual significance.
Laterite Quarries
Nearby quarries provided the raw laterite stone used to create the monoliths. These quarries demonstrate the advanced extraction techniques using iron tools and the logistical organization required to transport massive stones to the site.
