Aku-Aku Eclipse Easter Island July 11th, 2010

Orongo Ceremonial Village

The Orongo Village was the focus of the birdman cult which was established in the island in the 18th and 19th centuries in an attempt to restore the society after the collapse of the moai culture. Clans would gather at the village each year, and their champions would compete in a kind of triathalon which culminated in swimming out to the islands above to collect the first egg of the sooty tern. The winner would be designated birdman for the year, and his clan would rule, putting an end to the clan warfare that so ravaged the island beforehand. It seems odd, but I'm sure islanders of the epoch would find the way present-day societies choose their leaders equally quaint.

During the ceremonies, clans would live in these bunker-like houses, with an entrance for each clan. Like the boat houses, these were used only for sleeping. Many were torn down by archaeologists and subsequently reconstructed, and it is believed the entrances were originally larger and reduced in size in the reconstruction to avoid people getting inside and messing things up.

There are numerous petroglyphs at Orongo, many with the birdman motif. The largest collection is visible only by standing on the roof of one of the fragile rock houses, so you have to wait your turn since only five people are allowed up there at a time.

by John Walker July 20th, 2010

This document is in the public domain.