STRANGE RECTANGLES

In the Afar triangle, a striking number of rectangular shapes of various sizes can be seen, which are probably also very old. I conclude that from the fact that some of the enclosing boundaries were interrupted by paths or watercourses. These rectangles are mainly oriented horizontally in an east-west direction. Most are slightly curved to the south and have a small bay window right in the middle of their northern boundary, which protrudes as a small semicircle, like a nub, from the otherwise straight boundary.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Images courtesy of Google Earth™

The rectangle is definitely younger than the stone circle because it overlays it.
The rectangle is definitely younger than the stone circle because it overlays it.
The smaller repetition of the shape within a larger one makes it unlikely that these rectangles were used for livestock farming.
The smaller repetition of the shape within a larger one makes it unlikely that these rectangles were used for livestock farming.
Is this what it looks like when the cemetery is full?
Is this what it looks like when the cemetery is full?
 

An indication of the possible age: the boundaries were breached over time by a watercourse.
An indication of the possible age: the boundaries were breached over time by a watercourse.
A road was recently leveled through the rectangle here. This means: The structures are no longer in use.
A road was recently leveled through the rectangle here. This means: The structures are no longer in use.
  

This is all very strange and I really wonder what these structures were used for. If they were just enclosures for herding cattle, they wouldn't need to be curved or have that little nub. Perhaps this form has ritual backgrounds. Many of them have a small dot right in the center that could be a burial site. Are these rectangles perhaps old graveyards?

Maybe my puzzling around is completely superfluous because these structures are well known there and every local knows what they are about. Unfortunately I don't know anyone I can ask.

These pictures are only a small selection. All objects I found are included in the following download (Google Earth required): Download more than 200 Google Earth placemarks >



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