Because of its size, Ahu Hanga Te’e is considered to be the most important Ahu on the South Coast of Rapa Nui/Easter Island. Situated next to the Vaihu fisherman’s wharf, the commanding presence of its six Mohai,once  standing, looked over a big surf and rolling sea. These Mohai were also capped in Pukao, topnots or hats of red scoria. One of the Pukao, left standing at the ocean’s edge has deeply carved petroglyphs, which distinguishes it. Other Pukao are scattered about the ground; and, we are told, still others have rolled into the sea. As are other Ahu around Rapa Nui/Easter Island, these structures are ceremonial, considered sacred, and protected by specific Tapu, or religious laws. Most are placed parallel to the sea, and in some cases, they are aligned astronomically with relation to the solstices and equinoxes. The Ahu are political and religious centers for the different tribes and lineages, which are thought to have begun on the island around 1,000 A.D. The size and complexity of these Ahu evolved over the centuries. There are over 300 Ahu throughout the island, and 887 Moai, not all located on Ahu platforms. The Ahu are grouped into three types: Ahu Moai, Semipyramidal Ahu, and Ahu Poe Poe.

PHOTOS: Upper Left: View of 6 fallen Moai. Lower Left: Scattered Pukao and fallen Moai. Center: Detail, fallen Moai. Upper Right: Pukao with deep petroglyph carving. Lower Right: Photo of the site of Ahu Hanga Te’e.

JOURDAN ARPELLE-ZIEGLER                                           BACK TO MAP PAGE