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Tongariki.
An ancient cementery, 200 meters long, that features 15 statues. It is the most important in Rapa Nui and it was restored between 1995 and 1996 by Chilean archaeologists, after its destruction by a tsunami in 1960. There are moais and pukao surrounding it. Behind it, there is the Hanga Hotu Iti bay.

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Sunrise at Tongariki

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Sunset at Tahai
This attraction is an old sanctuary. Its archaeological interest is combined with its three “Ahu”, one on the north, other on the south, and the last one in the center. In Tahai you can find archaeological vestiges of Williams Mulloy, in the southern Ahu, and in the northern moai you will see the white coral eyes. In the place is celebrated the Tapati Rapa Nui.

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They will always be waiting for that 'thing' they were created for…
Nicely captured, Sury. They look enigmatic and dark.

Yildiz

Thank you Yildiz. From what I gather, these statues (of the elders of a village) are ALWAYS facing the village
to "protect" them. At least that is what the guide told us. At one location they are facing the water and supposedly
the statues were the first ones to land on the island and hence looking at the sea. The guide debunked the story
which was at the site (official narrative). The guide, who is also a member of Rapanui parliament, said the statues
always faced the village. Stands to reason since the sea facing statues were not close to water but inland. It is plausible
for a village to exist between the statues location and the coast.

Sury

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Hi, Sury;

Thank you for the informative input. Your guide certainly must have access to more credible historical telling of how they lived at the time. The mystical mystery that surrounds them, the way they look and the sizes evoke a lot to the imagination.

Thanks for sharing,
Yildiz

Very interesting sury, with fine photos

Nice shots!

Thank you Yildiz, DA and Valery. This is the quarry from which the Moai are carved.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rano_Raraku





Work in progress but will never be completed...

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Very nice, Sury.

It's like taking a peek at history's "behind the scenes".

Thanks for sharing,
Yildiz

Thank you Yildiz.