Glossary of Features

Stone walled, generally circular surface or subsurface agricultural structures. May serve to protect crops from wind.

Elliptical house foundations made up of large rectangular basalt slabs, often with water worn cobble pavement on the seaward side. Many are marked by cupped depressions, thought to be for wooden posts that make up house structure.

Fire hearth, generally rectangular or circular in shape.

Large ceremonial platform, located mainly on the coast. Generally rectangular or semi-pyramidal in shape. Moai are found on rectangular structures. Many contain burial chambers.. 

Rockshelters or caves, variable in size. Many show evidence of habitation or use. Some have been modified, while others were naturally formed.

Large statues located throughout the island. Many were positioned on the ahu, though the majority remain in the quarry of Rano Raraku.

Rock mulch, consisting of rough basalt cobbles. Archaeological evidence suggests rock mulch features were used to concentrate water and retard evaporation. 

1 by 1 meter subsurface test units excavated during the 2001 field season.