Introduction
Located in the province of Poni, in the south-west of Burkina Faso, the ruins of Loropéni are a major archaeological site, with a fascinating history and unique architecture. They stand some forty kilometres from Gaoua, the regional capital, and 700 metres north of the Route Nationale 11 linking Gaoua to Banfora. What does this site have to offer?
An enigmatic fortified site
This remarkable site, 430 km from Ouagadougou, offers a journey back in time to discover an ancient civilisation and its imposing buildings.
The ruins of Loropéni take the form of a vast fortified complex, almost square in shape, covering an area of around 11,130 m2. They are surrounded by a buffer zone of 278.40 ha, testifying to the importance of the site.
Massive, enigmatic ramparts
The main rampart, the most visible structure on the site, is made up of thick walls, almost 1.40 m thick at the base and around 6 metres high. The wall, 80% of which is still standing, runs north-south and east-west, forming an almost perfect rectangle.
The absence of identified access gates, despite oral testimonies mentioning them, raises questions about how the site was accessed. Archaeological excavations have failed to confirm the presence of gates in the places indicated, leaving the functionality of the site a mystery.
Internal structures, a complex and mysterious organisation
Inside the ramparts, numerous laterite stone structures are organised according to a precise plan, oriented North-South or East-West. These structures, whose walls vary in thickness and height, evoke dwellings, circulation spaces and closed compartments.
The internal organisation of the site remains enigmatic. The most imposing structures, such as the partition wall dividing the northern compartment in two, the thick wall to the west, or the thick-walled structure in the centre of the northern wall, suggest a complex organisation and a precise function.
A site rich in mystery and hypotheses
The ruins of Loropéni are a fascinating archaeological site, giving rise to many questions and hypotheses. The exact purpose and function of the site, the nature of its inhabitants and the construction techniques used are still a mystery.
However, the discovery of this site has shed light on West Africa’s rich and fascinating past. The ruins of Loropéni are a unique testimony to the creativity and complexity of ancient societies. They are a veritable architectural and historical treasure trove.
Conclusion
The ruins of Loropéni are a major archaeological site, offering a glimpse into the cultural and historical wealth of Burkina Faso. The enigmatic structures, imposing ramparts and mysteries surrounding this site continue to fascinate researchers and visitors alike, reminding us of the importance of preserving these precious testimonies to our past.
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