The scale of social labor investments and social practices behind the construction of megalithic stele monuments in south Ethiopia.

• The scale of labor and resource organization required for stele production reflects the scale of the social organization of the people involved in the process. • The scale of labor organization, time, and resource investment for stele production varies by site function. • Stelae used as burial markers required smaller-scale social energy investment compared to stele monuments built for other purposes. • The scale of social labor mobilization and resource organization for stele construction declined over time. By analyzing the materiality of stele monuments and associated material remains, this article sheds light on the scale of social labor investment and past social practices behind stelae construction in the Gedeo zone, south Ethiopia. Existing archaeological data suggest that the Gedeo stele landscapes represent one of the earliest megalithic stele traditions in Ethiopia. Diverse social and ritual practices led to the materialization and ritualization of distinct forms and sizes of stele monuments in the region at various times and scales. Investigating the stelae construction processes and the disposition of stele in a site permits one to understand some of the social practices and processes that led to the creation of the Gedeo megalithic stelae landscape, and to make inferences about the significance of the monuments. By analyzing the physical properties of stelae carving, transport, and emplacement and the distance from quarries to a stele site, the study estimates the scale of social energy investment in stelae construction. Findings indicate that the scale of labor organization, and the time and resource investment for stelae construction vary by site function and change over time. Generally, stelae used as a burial marker required smaller-scale social energy investment compared to stelae built for other purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]