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| Stone image at Tahai, Rapanui (Easter Island), at an early stage of the restoration. At this point the image, along with a red scoria topknot, has been repositioned on the central platform of the ceremonial center, or ahu, called Ko te Riku. |
| I first conducted Pacific archaeology at a major complex of ceremonial architecture at Tahai on Rapanui, more widely know as Easter Island, This west coast center, a set of three stone structures supporting the famous stone statues, was investigated and partially restored by William Mulloy, Gonzalo Figueroa G-H, and myself, along with our Chilean and Rapanui co-workers, in projects over a three year period. Later research concentrated on habitation areas and developing information about prehistoric Rapanui subsistence from dietary remains and food production sites. |
| Stone image in the Rano Raraku quarry, Easter Island. The head and upper torso of this statue were exposed in 1955 after being covered with quarry debris for an unknown period of time. Many fine details of carving and a polished surface are evident in the protected areas. Most images that have been remained open to the elements have deteriorated surfaces. In addition to the gradual, natural deterioration of the stone, damage to statues and other archaeological features on the island comes today from animals and humans (including tourists). |
