Easter Island Sites

Ahu Tongariki

However, in 1960, a massive tidal wave generated by an earthquake off the coast of Chile hit Ahu Tongariki and destroyed the platform and swept the massive moai hundreds of yards inland.

Above is a rare picture of one of Ahu Tongariki's moai against the backdrop of its birthplace - the Rano Raraku volcano. The photo is rare because in 1992 a team from Japan brought in cranes and other heavy equipment. Their mission: restore Ahu Tongariki. Working under the direction of Chilean archaeologist, Claudio Cristino the task took five years. Now all 15 of the moai stand proudly once more at what is arguably Easter Island's most impressive site. I have not been back to Easter since the restoration so I don't have any photos of the completed project. The NOVA website has some nice images of it up (see the resources section) and there is a dramatic shot of it on a Japanese site. Click here to view the image. (opens in a new window) I believe the moai above is the first moai in the picture.

While the new restoration is impressive there was a stark beauty to the site in its demolished state that has now been lost. While it is tempting to raise all the moai that have been toppled due to the war on the island or natural events, part of the history is altered by doing so. Due to the harsh weather conditions some statues are better protected in their fallen state.

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