Tongariki

 

Perhaps the most famous and frequently photographed ahu is Tongariki.  It supports 15 moai, only one of which has its original topknot.  It is in a beautiful location just past the quarry and near the ocean.  If one wants to get up super early to catch the sunrise, this is the place to do it.

Around the back of the ahu is a stone circle with some unusual stone artifacts in it.  No explanation was given as to what these were. 

The top knots that were not replaced on the moai when they were restored were lined up here. 

On these kinds of trips, I am always looking to sense places that have elevated energy, either because of some sort of high energy spot on the land itself, or a place where ceremony has been done for many years.  In general, I did not find that on Easter Island, except for 1 or 2 places in particular at the end of the trip.  I also like to put my hands on the stone to pick up any energy or information that may still be there.  That was not allowed here. All of these places are cultural and historical sacred sites related to various families and clans.  I am not sure if the locals are allowed to do ceremony there.  These sites are included in a national park that was created to preserve them.