Hanga Piko
The Hidden Bay
This bay is associated with an archaeological complex that reveals evidence of successive reconstructions and the recycling of its elements such as tombs, artifacts and statues around a very ancient platform. It has been altered, as other monuments of its type, over centuries by human activity and natural phenomena. In 1946, there was a major earthquake in the Aleutian Islands off of Alaska which created a tsunami that affected the greater part of the western and northern coasts of the Island, including the area of Anakena. On the upper edge of the slope in front of Ahu Riata at Hanga Piko, there are scattered two moai and some hare paenga (houses) which were brought from other places, as indicated in the signs now placed there.
Complejo de petroglifos en Hanga Piko
imagen Sistema UAV – Secretaría Técnica de Patrimonio Rapa Nui – Consejo de Monumentos Nacionales
In the sector of Puku Rangi Atua at Hanga Piko, behind the slope of Ahu Riata, there is a mass of basaltic rocks alongside a small cavern (karava) where the external faces are carved with petroglyphs unique on the Island. Unfortunately, this site has suffered considerable vandalism in recent years. Of particular interest are the panels with figures of canoes and others which seem to be tree trunks and palm leaves, although representations of plants are uncommon in Rapanui stone art. It is difficult to speculate on the antiquity of these petroglyphs, since almost all of the designs have been over-cut with recent graffiti.
Península rompeolas con el Ahu Roto Huero Kava / Breakwater peninsula with the Ahu Roto Huero Kava
The port of Hanga Piko shelters many different marine activities. The Association of Craft Fishermen has its headquarters here as, with more than 40 member boats, it attempts to maintain the traditional methods of fishing species such as albacore, kana-kana, tuna, barracuda or swordfish, as well as the harvesting of the Pure sea snail, which is used for making typical Island crafts. Two of the five diving centers are also located here. Another sporting activity that has grown in this area is Va’a, rowing in Polynesian canoes, the favorite sport of the Rapanui. From Hanga Piko, groups of mostly young people carry their canoes to the water’s edge to train in the ocean along the shore. An evening visit to the illuminated Ahu Riata is recommended, while the sea turtles appear at the edge of the shore in search of food; then, some of the best, fresh sea food can be enjoyed at the Tataku Vave Restaurant, located alongside the pier.
Restos arqueológicos posiblemente del Ahu Ataranga / Archaeological remains possibly from Ahu Ataranga
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