The Ahu (stone platforms) of Rapa Nui were often more than just a place on which the Moai rested. Many Ahu became ossuaries containing human skeletal remains. While the Ahu of Rapa Nui varied across the island, they often adhered to several design elements. The front wall was made from rectangular basalt slabs called Paenga. Platforms built after 1300 CE used red Scoria façade over the front wall. The taller rear wall of the Ahu faced the sea. The Ahu had an inland facing sloping ramp, extended sideways and outward like wings. Many even-sized round water-warn stones called Poro were placed on these ramps. These Poro served as a kind of census with each stone representing an extended family tree. TQ 2010 memory book image 3 of 11
Lets us hope not. Let us work to ensure that the religious and political factions of today do not lead us to a similar fate! TQ 2010 memory book image 11 of 11
A number of the Moai just outside of the Rano Raraku quarry are partially buried to their shoulders. These Moai are distinctive in that their eye sockets were not hollowed out to receive the coral eyes, nor do they have the Pukao topknot stones. These Moai were not cast down during the Huri Moai (statue toppling) of the island's civil wars. TQ 2010 memory book image 8 of 11
