The Orongo Ceremonial Village on Easter Island tells a quirky story. The ancient tribes battled for power over each other in a competition of strength, speed, and wit, known as the tangata manu, or “bird-man.” It decided who would be the chief of all chiefs.
Before spring the tribes would meet in Mataveri, and then up to Orongo. They each elected a clan member called the hopu manu. These select individuals would climb down the cliffs of Orongo and swim and paddle to Motu Nui where they would await the first sea birds of the spring. The leader of the tribal racer who found the first sacred egg of the manutara bird would be declared the chief until the next year.
The 54 houses of the various chiefs stand in three rows facing the ocean. Due to the small size and poor ventilation, they weren’t good for much beyond sleeping in. Many bird-man paintings in red, black, and white pigment are still found inside some of the houses. Other paintings include those of European sailing ships which would arrive in the spring around the same time as the bird-man competition.
Away from the other 900 stone moai, there was one 2.5 m tall in the village of Orongo. Its name is Hoa Hakananai’a. It is unique because unlike the others it is carved from basalt and depicts the phases of the bird-man on its back. You will now find it in the British Museum in London. Its other name is “the stolen friend.”
The best and easiest way to reach here would be by car or on foot. You can take a taxi from Hanga Roa from there you have to take the main road Atamu Tekena until crossing the airport road. Then turn right, pass the only gas station on the island and just continue all the way up until you reach the end of it.
Sunday 9:00 am.to 6:00 pm.
Monday 9:00 am.to 6:00 pm.
Tuesday 9:00 am.to 6:00 pm.
Wednesday 9:00 am.to 6:00 pm.
Thursday 9:00 am.to 6:00 pm.
Friday 9:00 am.to 6:00 pm.
Saturday 9:00 am.to 6:00 pm.
Waiting Time
Entrance Fee
Time you can spend
Weather
Be the first one to start a thread.
