Ana Kai Tangata, Ancient ceremonial cave near Mataveri, Easter Island, Chile
Ana Kai Tangata is a volcanic sea cave located near Mataveri on Easter Island. The opening measures roughly 10 meters wide and 5 meters high, with the interior extending about 15 meters deep into the coastal cliff.
The cave formed naturally through volcanic activity in ancient times and was later used by Rapa Nui people for ceremonial purposes. Rock carvings of European ships and Polynesian canoes on its walls document encounters that took place when outsiders began arriving at the island.
Red, white, and black paintings cover the cave ceiling, depicting Manutara seabirds that held ceremonial importance in the traditional Bird Man competition. Visitors can still see these designs today as evidence of beliefs connected to the seasonal migration of these birds.
Access to the site requires descending carved stone stairs that demand careful footing and steady balance. Watch for loose rock and slippery surfaces, as water and weathering make the approach challenging in certain conditions.
The name carries multiple possible meanings from the Rapa Nui language, with 'kai' potentially referring to eating, gathering, or the act of storytelling. This linguistic ambiguity reveals how the place held different layers of meaning for the people who lived and gathered here.
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