Ana Kai Tangata

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Guide required

This lava tube opens toward the ocean close to town. Its name evokes “cave of the man-eaters” in popular translation, but archaeologists value it chiefly for polynesian paintings tied to the birdman ceremony.

View from Orongo, overlooking the legendary islets Motu Nui, Motu 'Iti and Motu Kao-Kao.
View from Orongo, overlooking the legendary islets Motu Nui, Motu 'Iti and Motu Kao-Kao.
Stone houses at Orongo where families lived during the birdman competition ceremony to support their tribe representative.
Stone houses at Orongo where families lived during the birdman competition ceremony to support their tribe representative.

The birdman (tangata manu) cult reshaped Rapa Nui society; this cave is one of the evocative art sites that help illustrate that era beside the stone village on Rano Kau.

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Tip

Respect ropes and rangers; humidity and salt air damage fragile pigment. Pair mentally with Orongo, where the contest was organised.

Location

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