Circles of Stone

by Dan Arnold

  “Here, Jake, you try it.”

  She handed him the compass.

  Jake walked a complete circle around the stone.

  “Wow, that’s really interesting.”

  Adrienne snorted.

  “I think you’re kind of over reacting, Jake. Sure, a little ferromagnetism messes with your compass, but it’s not particularly significant.”

  “Not to you or me, but for someone whose entire belief system is based on alignments of the sun moon and stars, it could be.”

  “Maybe, if they had a compass. Otherwise I don’t see how they would even notice.”

  “The Chinese were using magnetic compasses almost three thousand years ago. Who knows if they were the only people to do so?”

  “I still say the magnetism was caused by lightning. There’s nothing mystical about that.”

  “We’re trained as scientists. The people who came before us were the first observers of phenomena we take for granted. To them, it was mystical.”

  Adrienne shrugged, conceding the point.

  “Unless or until we do a study to determine the rate of mass movement of the surface material on this plateau, we won’t be able to determine the approximate age of the site. We know these stones are tens of thousands of years old, but we have no idea when they were put here.”

  “Spoken like a true geologist.”

  “That’s my thing, man.”

  “I’m still trying to work out why they were put here.”

  “That would have to be speculative at this point. Wouldn’t it?”

  “Unfortunately, without a full blown archeological excavation, you are correct. The Nabta Playa site is some sort of tomb and worship center. We don’t know exactly what Gobleki Tepe is, but it may be a temple of some sort. We can’t rule out the possibility this site was a celestial observatory.”

  The sound of approaching vehicles caught their attention. Jake looked to where their own four wheel drive vehicle was parked.

  “I guess we’re about to have company,” Adrienne observed.

  “Yep, let’s hope it’s just tourists or bird lovers.”

  As the vehicles drove out onto the top of the plateau, it was immediately evident these visitors probably weren’t any kind of tourists.

  Two light trucks with two or three men in the back of each skidded to a stop, slicing furrows on the soil surface. The men hopped out, trying to look menacing as they waited for their leader to emerge from the first vehicle.

  When that man emerged from the truck, Jake wasn’t surprised to see he was none other than Dingane Gogo the self-described custodian of the site.

  He looked around at the men with him and then pointed at Jake and Adrienne.

  “I told you not to come back here. You have angered the god’s. Leave this place and never return or it will go badly for you.”

  Jake smiled.

  “You know, Mr. Gogo, I asked the Minister of Antiquities if there was a custodian of this site. He contacted the departments of wildlife, conservation, even the local government. None of them had ever heard of you. So, I don’t think you have any authority here.”

  The man nodded.

  “I see, well then, you have brought this on yourselves. I will show you what authority feels like.” He began rolling up his sleeves. The men around him spread out in a semi-circle among the rocks, facing Jake and Adrienne who stood with their backs to the precipice behind them. In all there were seven, rough, angry looking men ready to pounce.

  Adrienne glanced at Jake, and said, “This is another fine mess you’ve gotten us into, Ollie.”

  14-A city of cylinders

  Nguli trotted along the path from his father’s kraal toward his great uncle Bhalele’s. Along the way he passed by the kraals of his father’s three brothers. His uncle Ghuto’s kraal consisted of a dry stone wall higher than his own head, surrounding five smaller stone walled cylinders topped with conical roofs made of reeds. Nguli knew three of those cylindrical buildings were huts for Ghuto and his two wives. One of the smaller structures housed his cousin Maluti, now an adult, but not yet married. The remaining circular structure was Ghuto’s storage building. It protected grain and perishable food items.

  Each of the huts had an additional circular walled area on the inside. The outer ring of each hut was used for social interaction, cooking and the sleeping area for the children. The inner ring was for domestic and private interactions. The walled outer courtyard of the kraal was where the family goats were kept. Beyond, and between the kraals the land was terraced for farming.

  Each kraal was unique in size, positioned within the village according to the social status of the occupants. Just as in all the other villages, each family tried to improve on the design of their father’s kraal and land holdings.

  Nguli was too young to appreciate that he and his family enjoyed the best position of any family in the village. Because his father was the principle man, his family dwellings were on the edge nearest the river. This closer proximity meant less time traveling back and forth hauling water and doing laundry.

  Outside the village, lions and other predators were a constant threat to livestock and children. Lately, word had reached them of another people group attacking and carrying off women and children.

  Nguli found Bhalele sitting in the shade of his veranda.

  “Ho, Great Uncle, it is I, Nguli, the son of Kutoasa. My father sends his greetings and asks you to meet with him and the other elders at the central kraal. Will you come?”

  The old man nodded.

  “Ho, Nguli, son of Kutoasa. You, who are my brother’s grandson, help me to my feet. Yes, I will come. Hand me my spear, boy, so I may lean upon it.”

  Traveling to the central kraal was arduous for Nguli. Because of Bhalele’s advanced years, he was a slow mover. Each time Nguli dashed ahead of him, the old man would chastise him and make him come back to walk slowly beside him. When they eventually neared the ceremonial circle, Nguli couldn’t stand it any longer. He raced away, ignoring the old man’s complaints.

  The central kraal was nearly filled with warriors and other important members of the village.

  Nguli found his father sitting in the seat of judgement.

  “Ho, father, I have brought Bhalele, just as you commanded me.”

  “Where is he? I told you to ask him to join us and aid him in the journey. I don’t see him here?”

  Nguli gulped, his eyes searching the crowd for his Great Uncle. The boy was terrified. If he failed to perform in his duty, his father would beat him in front of everyone assembled in this place.

  “There he is, father. He stands with the other elders.”

  “Ahh, so he does. It is good. Be off with you now, this is no place for children.”

  Nguli couldn’t hide his disappointment, but he dared not anger his father. It would not do to have the principle man’s son behaving badly in public.

  “Yes, father, when you come home, will you tell me what happens here?”

  His father waived him off, indicating he had no time to discuss the matter.

  Dejected, Nguli dragged his feet as he walked around the crowd to exit the ceremonial circle.

  15-In certain circles…

  Dr. Jacob Walker raised his hands.

  “Hang on a minute, Mr. Gogo. There’s no need for violence. I told you the local government has no idea who you are, but I do.

  Dingane Gogo stopped is advance. His men glanced back and forth at each other.

  “Who do you think I am, Dr. Walker?”

  “I’ve done some research. You’re quite well known in certain circles.”

  The man narrowed his eyes.

  “Exactly which circles are those?”

  “You’re a frequent presenter on the lecture circuit, especially those which cater to people who have an interest in ancient origins. I’ve read one of your books and seen some of your videos.”

  “So, what’s your point?”

  “If you’ll look behind you, y
ou’ll see we are not alone.”

  The men turned to find Phillipe and Harry had emerged from the rented four by four.

  Harry had removed his shirt, ready to do combat. His enormous torso, shoulders and arms were covered in colorful tribal tattoos.

  Phillipe grinned at the men, slowly slapping a cricket bat against his palm.

  Jake spoke, returning the attention of the men to himself.

  “Now, it’s true, you outnumber us. But I assure you, if you insist on violence, my friends and I will be the only one’s walking away. Can we talk?”

  Dingane Gogo made a face, his frustration in full evidence.

  “Fine,” he spat. He pointed at the two trucks, a sign for his men to stand down and go back to the vehicles.

  As the men walked away, Phillipe and Harry followed them, keeping their distance.

  Adrienne sat on one of the stones as Jake started the conversation.

  “I understand you not wanting me and my people here.” Jake said. “You’ve found a potential cash cow. You’re considered an expert on the calendar and the mysterious circles of stone. You’ve traveled all over the world giving lectures on the subject. You’ve become something of a celebrity among the ancient origins crowd.

  Being a native of South Africa, you’re in a unique position to profit from the tourist trade. You have that little shop with trinkets and tee shirts and what not. It wouldn’t do to have credible scientists interfering with your business. Have I about summed it up?”

  “No. you haven’t. It’s a museum. I’ve collected artifacts from around the world. You really don’t know what you’re talking about. You think science has all the answers. It doesn’t. There are mysteries and wonders all over the world and you know nothing of my people or our customs.”

  Jake crossed his arms.

  “Is one of your customs making up stuff as you go along?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Jake sighed.

  “I’m talking about your repeated references to ‘the star people’ and your theory they created humans by mixing their superior alien DNA with that of apes. Your theory about the thousands of kraals across southern Africa being some sort energy source used by aliens to mine gold is also popular in certain circles.”

  “It’s as good a theory as any. Can you explain why all those kraals have no gates, doors or other openings?”

  “No, I can’t. All I know for certain is that more research is needed. Listen, Mr. Gogo, We have no interest in your business ventures. We’re not here to ridicule you or debunk you in a public forum. In fact, I’m more like you than you know. I’m as fascinated by the mysteries of human origins as you are.

  Where we’re different is I don’t try to claim I know the answers. All that stuff about ancient aliens seeding humanity throughout the galaxy to mine gold for them is perfectly fine science fiction, but it has no basis in fact. It shouldn’t be presented that way.”

  “How do you know? You don’t. My claims are based on extensive research. There are millions of people who believe the same way I do.”

  “What is it you believe?”

  “My people were here for thousands of years before any white man showed up. We have a long standing oral tradition that this spot, where we’re standing at this moment, is the place where the gods—the star people, made the first man.”

  Jake shrugged.

  Mr, Gogo was just warming up to his subject.

  “What the old ones didn’t know is that there are no gods, at least not like they thought of them. They thought the moon, stars and planets were gods. We now know that stars are distant suns. Each of those suns may be at the center of worlds as yet unknown. There are infinite galaxies and dimensions beyond our ability to view or even comprehend.

  Don’t you see? What the ancient scholars called the Anunnaki or Nephalim are actually visitors from another galaxy or dimension. They came here to this little rock because gold and other precious minerals are fuel for their explorations. They left humans on the planet to mine these minerals and energy sources for them.”

  Jake held up is hand.

  “Mr. Gogo, please don’t lecture me on the subject. No sale, I don’t buy it.”

  “…Why not? There is just as much science pointing to that possibility as there is pointing to gradual evolution from slime. You scientists always seem to go back to that theory. You believe everything is random, accidental and meaningless.”

  Jake shook his head.

  “Please don’t tell me what I believe. This isn’t about belief. It’s about research. Look, all we want to do is examine the evidence. We aren’t going to debate the various theories. We’re not here to cause you any kind of trouble. If you will leave us alone, we’ll do the same for you. Is that OK?”

  Gogo shook his head.

  “Not really, but I guess it’s the best solution for the moment. OK. We won’t interfere with your work anymore. You must promise not to make me look bad in public, especially not here in my own country. I have the right to make a living any way I can, even lecturing in certain circles.”

  Jake nodded.

  “Fair enough, as I say, it was never our intention.”

  Jake held out his hand. Dingane Gogo shook his hand and walked back to the trucks.

  Adrienne stood up, brushing the dust off her pants.

  “All’s well that ends well,” she said. “Too bad we didn’t get to mix it up. I was ready.”

  Jake grinned. Tilting his cowboy hat back on his head, he winked and said, “That’s what she said.”

  16-Leaving it all behind

  Kutoasa regarded the important members of the village who were gathered before him. He stood both to get their attention and to be heard by everyone assembled in the ceremonial circle.

  “Listen to me. The scouts say the raiders from the north will be here within ten days. Nearly a thousand warriors armed with weapons of iron are coming this way.

  The runners I sent to the chief of all our people have not returned. I think they will never return.

  I believe we must leave this place. We can wait no longer. Tomorrow, I want to have all the cattle herded together and all the goats as well. They will be guarded by our warriors overnight. On the morning after that we should be ready to leave at first light.”

  Pausing to let his words have their effect, he held his arms out at his side as he continued.

  “It is not our way to have one man make such an important decision. I will now hear from the elders.”

  His pronouncement caused a general buzz of conversation throughout the circle. Kutoasa gave them all a moment to confer. He held up his hands and shouted above the murmur.

  “Enough! Let me hear the words of the elders.”

  His father’s brother, Bhalele, stepped forward on behalf of the elders.

  “We must hear from Doinga-Potu, the shaman. He will give us guidance from the spirits.”

  Knowing they would say this, Kutoasa had already spoken with the shaman. He knew what everyone was about to hear. He called upon the shaman to speak.

  “Speak to us, Doinga-Potu. What have the spirits shown you?”

  Doinga-Potu stepped forward.

  “Hear me! My soul is troubled. All night have I danced. No food or water have I taken for three days. I have been blessed with knowledge from the spirit world. Hear Me! This is what I know.

  The land no longer has game. Our hunters are gone for days at a time. Now strange enemies come from the north. Have we not angered the gods? Is this not the reason our crops grow less productive every year?

  The graves of our dead are too many. Even now their spirits walk among us.

  Kutoasa has spoken wisely. We have lived here too long. We must leave this place.”

  His words caused an even louder buzz.

  Kutoasa recognized from the way the crowd sounded and moved, fear and insecurity was taking hold of the people.

  Once again he raised his arms and his voice.

/>   “Silence! Let us hear from the elders.”

  Bhalele, stepped forward again.

  “Before we can give you an answer we must ask a question. Where would you have us go, Kutoasa?”

  That question had also been anticipated. It suggested the elders knew it was time to move the village.

  “We will go south across the mountains. Just on the other side there is good savannah with much game. The streams are abundant to irrigate our crops. We can make the trip easily in about ten days with all our children and livestock. We have enough food and water to last that long, but the hunters will bring us meat and there are streams along the way. What say you?”

  Bhalele looked back at the other elders, who nodded in agreement. He stood tall and announced, “It is time to go. We will move the village.”

  17-Around and around we go

  “These stones are remarkably similar to those we found in the other kraals.” Adrienne said. “You can see they were shaped and smoothed by the hydraulic forces of the streams from which they were taken. Oddly, some of them appear to have been deliberately shaped. How that was done without metal tools is a mystery. We’ve found some that have holes in them, making them bowl shaped. Some of the smaller circles of stone appear to have been ovens or maybe even forges. The wonder of it all is how many there are and how many people it would’ve taken to build all these circles. Can you imagine? Most of these rocks weigh eight or ten pounds. There are thousands of them just here in these kraals where we are today.”

  “Is there any way we can determine how long ago these stone circles and terraces were built?” Jake asked.

  “Not reliably. Each site we’ve examined was from a different time period. Some, like this one, are ancient beyond telling, maybe thousands of years old. Others are more recent, maybe hundreds of years old. I’m sorry Jake. I can’t date them.”

  “Of what kind of stone are these walls built? They aren’t granite.”

  “Yes, they are. They’re igneous in origin with a very high crystalline content, which is why they fractured the way they did. I’m not sure if they all acquired these shapes in the stream beds. Like I say some of them appear to have been altered somehow by the people who built these structures.