{"id":3781,"date":"2019-04-01T14:55:53","date_gmt":"2019-04-01T14:55:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moevarua.com\/?p=3781"},"modified":"2026-09-08T21:31:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T21:31:11","slug":"vaihu","status":"publish","type":"lugares","link":"https:\/\/moevarua.com\/en\/lugar\/vaihu\/","title":{"rendered":"Vaih\u016b: Ahu Hanga Te’e and Its Ancient Fishing Harbor"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Vaihu is a small fishing harbor on the southeastern coast in which there is a large cistern in the form of a double slope. The lateral wall, which in the past defended the fresh water from sea water intrusion, is today totally crumbled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ahu Hanga Te’e: Architecture and Moai<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Ahu (platform) of the Vaihu sector is called Ahu Hanga Tee. It is 74 meters (242 feet) long and 4 meters (13 feet) wide with walls made of worked stone. It is one of the most complete Ahu-Moai complexes with 8 Moai (statues) and their Pukao (headdresses) scattered and, in some places, broken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ceremonial Village: Elite and the Paina Ritual<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In front of the Ahu are the remains of a village. Ethnographic notes indicate that these residences were occupied by an elite made up of high ranking people from the major lineages of each territory, representing socio-political power and associated with ceremonial activities, such as the Paina, which was held in the circular plazas in front of the Ahu-Moai.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Vaih\u016b:<\/figure><\/figure>\n\n\n

Location and How to Get There<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vaih\u016b is part of Rapa Nui’s south coast archaeological route, located between Vinapu<\/a> and Ahu Tonariki<\/a> \u2014 two of the island’s most visited sites. Its location makes it easy to include in a day-long tour of the main Ahu along the southeastern coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions About Vaih\u016b<\/h2>\n\n\n
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What is Ahu Hanga Te’e?<\/h3>\n
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It is the main Ahu of the Vaih\u016b sector, 74 meters long, with walls of worked stone and 8 fallen Moai alongside their Pukao, some of them broken. It is recognized by the red slag border along its podium.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What was the function of the village in front of the Ahu?<\/h3>\n
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According to ethnographic records, it was inhabited by a high-ranking elite from the major lineages of each territory, linked to socio-political power and ceremonies such as the Paina, held in the circular plazas in front of the Ahu-Moai.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Where is Vaih\u016b located relative to other archaeological sites?<\/h3>\n
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It is located on Rapa Nui’s southeastern coast, between the sites of Vinapu and Ahu Tonariki, forming part of the archaeological route through that area of the island.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n