On the southeastern coast, there are two ceremonial centres located very close to each other: Ahu Tahiri (Vinapu I) and Ahu Vinapu II. The first has one of the best examples of megalithic construction on the entire island — masonry so precise it evokes the Incan constructions of Peru, leading Thor Heyerdahl to base his theory of an Incan migration to Rapa Nui on it.
Ahu Tahiri: The Masonry That Inspired a Theory
Ahu Tahiri has one of the best examples of megalithic construction on the entire island, reminiscent of the Incan constructions in Peru, on which explorer Thor Heyerdahl based his theory of South American Inca migration to Rapa Nui. Carbon-14 measurements have indicated that this platform was built around the year 700 A.D., apparently only for ceremonial purposes. Later, residents of the area decided to raise six statues brought from the quarry at Rano Raraku, which, according to observations by archaeologist Métraux, were painted red.
The Female Moai of Vinapu II
The architectural perfection of Ahu Tahiri, or Vinapu I, is in great contrast with the neighbouring Ahu Vinapu II, which is clearly inferior. Behind this latter platform, a wall of earth encloses a circular area which may have been used as a theatre for native ceremonies. In this area, between 1955 and 1956, archaeologists discovered an unusual sculpted pillar or column made of volcanic scoria around two metres high with feminine features, which was re-erected by American archaeologist William Mulloy. It is identified as a sculpture with two heads, supposed to have served as a pillar for cremations.
There may also be a third Ahu, possibly the most ancient one, of which only a pile of rocks remains — the surrounding area was intervened in 1968-69 for the installation of the airport’s fuel tanks. The pillar is made of the same red material as the Pukao, carved at the Puna Pau volcano quarry.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vinapu
Why is Vinapu associated with Inca culture?
Ahu Tahiri (Vinapu I) has stone masonry so precise and tightly fitted that it resembles Incan constructions in Peru. This similarity led explorer Thor Heyerdahl to develop his controversial theory of a South American migration to Rapa Nui, although Carbon-14 dating places the construction around 700 A.D., predating the Inca civilisation.
What is the female moai pillar at Vinapu?
A sculpture of red volcanic scoria around two metres tall, discovered between 1955 and 1956 and re-erected by archaeologist William Mulloy. It is believed to represent two heads and to have served as a cremation pillar, made of the same material as the Pukao.
How many Ahu are there at Vinapu?
Two main ceremonial centres located close together: Ahu Tahiri (Vinapu I), of exceptional masonry, and Ahu Vinapu II, of inferior craftsmanship. There may also be a third Ahu, possibly the oldest, of which only a pile of stones remains.
When was the Ahu Tahiri at Vinapu built?
Carbon-14 measurements indicate it may have been built around 700 A.D., originally for ceremonial purposes, before six statues brought from the Rano Raraku quarry were later erected, which according to archaeological observations were painted red.