| F48 Large Ahu | ||||
![]() |
||||
![]() |
![]() |
|||
| Ahu
Moai. This massive and complex structure lies along a north south
orientation (roughly parallel to 28 degrees baseline, and parallel to
shoreline). The ahu is about 45m
from the ocean cliffs. Our description proceeds north to south, beginning
with the rear wall. The northern sector of the rear wall is comprised of
loose stone construction, boulders 20-40 cm (mode) with some sections of
standing wall at the top. There are three to five visible courses of
stone. There are some larger
boulders (ca. 70cm) as well. The northern sector includes 0-20m (see map)
along a mapping baseline. The northern 20-40m sector (see map), i.e., a
northern massive wall construction is comprised of a vertical retaining
stone wall constructed in two-tiers.
Also in this area is a rectangular arrangement of stone (i.e.,
interpreted to be a crematorium) with gravel fill (95cm wide by 285cm
long).
The stone designated by “4” on the plan has fallen (the third vertical rear wall slab) toward the ocean. These massive stones are cut and dressed. The upper-tiered stones are also massive, and cut and dressed (measuring 138cm by 69cm by 36cm). Above the second tier there are jumbled boulders. Along the ridge of the structure one finds massive stones, including what appear to be flat platform stones for moai (156cm by 154cm, by 34cm; D-shaped). Some of the second tier blocks have fallen. The cut, dressed, and fitted stonework is of high quality (similar to stonework at Ahu Vinapu). We find middle sector-vertical rear wall boulders of relatively crude form--(i.e., not finely cut and dressed). There is a headless moai fragment (Englert #83?) (the number “8” is clear, the second may be “3” but it is unclear). There is a second moai fragment. Both moai were made from Rano Raraku tuff. The southern sector has a massive vertical wall built from cut and dressed stones. On the north side there is one to two tiered construction, where the second tier is in some places fitted (i.e., “komo” stones). This wall is comprised of seven massive stones, and there is abundant lichen growth on them. There is one apparently misplaced stone with three notches on the top (?), or thinner edge. There is another fallen moai (Englert #82) comprised of a head with body. The wall has collapsed on the ocean side in front of the southern sector. There is a further southern structural sector of stacked, smaller stones (3-9 tiered, 20-50cm mode). It is loose stone construction with parts of the wall still standing. There is a boulder field behind the ahu running from the rear wall to the ocean cliffs. Most of the boulders are an average size of 20-40cm, with some larger (about 60-70cm). The southernmost sector or wing of the ahu is a two-tiered stacked stone construction (4-5 courses on the lower sector, boulders 30-40cm (mode) and another 4-5 courses on the second tier with boulders of 20-30cm (mode). At approximately five meters south of the ahu is a small discrete stone construction, with base boulders measuring 60-70cm, and containing a stone cobble (10cm mode) fill. The structure forms a crude terrace with a seaward retaining wall (Rapa Nui high school students mapped this feature). From north to south on the ahu's front (landward) side, loose stone construction, again near the retaining wall, creates a semi-pyramidal form. Large stone uprights form the upper edge. There are two fallen moai (both are from Rano Raraku). The northern moai has extensive lichen growth; the other does not, yet the southern moai has vertical erosional patterns. Under the northern moai, there appear to be human bones. Stone rubble has been piled in around moai to create what appear to be burial chambers. At the northern side of the moai there is a large piece of scoria (50cm). Human bones are also visible under the southern moai. It appears to be more than one individual. The southern moai has a large piece of red scoria adjacent to the head, suggesting it fell at the same time (140 by 80cm), by its visible dimensions. The human bones are well preserved. There is a chamber at the south end of the southern moai, constructed of one large cut and dressed stone slab that formed a capstone. It is now broken in half. There is tabular basalt present as well. There are also human bones in this chamber. There is another chamber to the north end of the northern moai, with a red scoria block. There is a passageway at the center and north end of the northern moai, which goes under the moai and could be a shelter or a burial area. The northern chamber contains at least three individuals (5 visible femora). The southernmost wing appears to be mostly made of earth with stone on top. It is similar to the northernmost section, but has less stones and more earthen fill. |
||||
|
||||