RAPA NUI HIGHLIGHTS, RANO RARAKU, NURSERY OF THE MOAI AND DAZZLING AHU TONGARIKI
“Rano Raraku remins one of the greatest and most curious creations of mankind, a monument to the great lost unknown behind us….” Thor Heyerdahl
We had driven past the crater, one sees it from many vantage points, always a tease .
Across an expanse from the base of the crater, we first visited the incredible AHU TONGARIKI, with its infinite platform supporting 15 huge figures. It is the largest ceremonial platform anywhere in Polynesia, 220m (721′) from one end to the other.
Between 1992-96, a Chilean team headed by Claudio Cristino restored the platform with the support of the Japanese government who paid the $2 million cost. The moai, like all others on the island had been overthrown in past history, but suffered even more when the 9.5 earthquake (largest in human history) that struck Chile in 1960, caused a massive tsunami 11m (36′)high, that hurled pieces of the moai all over the area. With its eastern location, it suffered greatly.
We finally got to the quarry, the crater, the source of the rock for the moai, RANO RARAKU. What a thrill. It is the most special, of special places, on Rapa Nui, a sort of Wimbledon of primitive carving, a St. Peter’s for the soul. We visited more than once, as one should really do, to see the moai in different light. It is a marvelous experience to visit there.
Tags: Ahu Tongariki, Easter Island, Moai, Rano Raraku, Rapa Nui
February 18 2011 08:50 pm | Photos
Maria Teresa Campos on 21 Mar 2011 at 6:13 am #
Lovely Anita, I travel back to my wonderful trip to the island.You got the spirit of Eastern Island.
Maria Teresa Campos on 21 Mar 2011 at 6:16 am #
lovely Anita. I remember my trip to the wonderful island.
Hope to go back
Alice Abrams on 21 Mar 2011 at 4:31 pm #
Anita,
You did a great job of chronicling your trip. The photos were excellent, and the comments witty and informative. I think I’ll just refer my friends to your website instead of showing them my photos!
We went to Mendoza after Easter Island. If you and Bud have not been there yet, we recommend it. The Andes, wineries, food – spectacular.
I’ll send you Jere and Clara’s address as soon as I find it. Everything is still a heap on my desk..
Thanks for letting me know your pictures were online.