One of the most interesting places on Easter Island is the Tahai Archaeological Complex. The ruins of the ancient Ceremonial Complex include archaeological remains of great historical importance. Tahai is considered the oldest settlement on the island, because the earliest remains date back to 700. The first settlers did not choose this place by chance - there was convenient access to the sea, and underground springs supplied people with fresh water.
The complex stretches over 250 m from north to south and about 200 m from west to east. On its territory there are 3 of the most important Ahu - ceremonial platforms, which, according to the beliefs of the indigenous inhabitants of the island, served as a link between the two worlds, the real and the otherworldly.
If you face the ocean, the first Ahu on the left is called “Ahu Vai Uri” (1200), it includes 5 restored Moai, which are examples of different styles.
The next platform, called "Ahu Tahai", is a unique free-standing Moai about 4.5 m high. This idol is considered one of the island's "old-timers".
"Ahu Ko Te Riku" is an even more unique platform, on which the Moai rises with a height of 5.1 m. The head of the statue is crowned with "pukao" - a kind of cylindrical piece carved from reddish volcanic rock. There are many different hypotheses regarding the purpose of the "headdresses" of the idols on Easter Island. The main distinguishing element of the representative of "Ahu Ko Te Riku" is that it is the only "big-eyed" Moai on the island. In the distant past, ancient craftsmen carved hollows for the eyes of the idol, in which they placed white corals and obsidian pupils.
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Large and small caves, which ancient people used for dwelling, have survived in the vicinity of the platforms.