NOVA Online (click here for NOVA home)
Secrets of Easter Island


Photo of Ahu Vipanu Ahu Vinapu


If size signified importance, Ahu Vinapu was one of the most important ahu on Easter Island. The precisely fitted large basalt cut slabs have perplexed some archaeologists, in particular Thor Heyerdahl. He points to this Inca-like stone ahu as a key indicator to a distinct Peruvian influence on the island. Few experts disagree that the stonework here is more advanced than that of other ahu on the island. Was this the result of an Inca influence on the island, or was it due to years of experience attained by Rapanui stoneworkers? An average slab here is eight by 5.5 feet (2.5 x 1.7meters) and weighs seven tons.


Ahu Akivi | Ahu Tahai | Ahu Tongariki | Ahu Vinapu | Anakena Beach
Orongo | Paro | Hanga Roa | Rano Raraku | Terevaka




Photos: Liesl Clark

Vince Lee's Uphill Battle | NOVA Moves a Megalith | How Big Were They?
Move the Moai | Explore Easter Island | Secrets of Easter Island | Resources | Transcript

Medieval Siege | Pharaoh's Obelisk | Easter Island | Roman Bath | China Bridge | Site Map

Editor's Picks | Previous Sites | Join Us/E-mail | TV/Web Schedule
About NOVA | Teachers | Site Map | Shop | Jobs | Search | To print
PBS Online | NOVA Online | WGBH

© | Updated November 2000