Easter Island Sites

Tahai Complex


Ahu Vai Uri

On the island's western shore lay the ruins of a very unique ahu. It is unigue in that the statues erected on it are all very different from each other both in scale and shape. There is a the large figue in the center, with two figure of similar size on its left. Then to the right we have a smaller, squatter figure and the remains of an even smaller statue. Why is there variation of the moai at this ahu and not at the others
This site seems to clearly show an attempt to create some individualism in the statues while keeping the basic stylistic design. Whether this is depiction of a group of leaders of a clan as is generally assumed at other sites or represents an acutal family unit is a matter of debate. One could look at these figures and see a king with two sons on his left, and his wife and another child, perhaps a female on the left. Due to its incomplete condition the smaller statue will remain a mystery forever. Perhaps it was a leader that died young like King Tutankhaten of Egypt.

This place had a haunted feeling to it. I was drawn to it again and again and I produced some of my best photographs of the trip

 


Semi-Wild horses are common on Easter lsland


Ahu Tahai, Foreground
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