25th May 2015

A selection of photos from our visit to an archaeological site in the Hatiheu Valley.

Sacred Banyan tree estimated to be over 500 years old into which skulls of the ancestors were placed, the practice was stopped when the missionaries arrived.

Sacrifice storage, a deep pit in which victims awaited their fate. These islands continued the practice of cannabalism until late 19th/early 20th century.

Recently restored tiki on the ancient site.

Restored village site in lovely setting.

This table is placed in the meeting forum, with raised dias on either side, where tribal business was discussed. The table held the skulls of their venerated ancestors who were spiritually present. Imagine that in the local council meetings!

Front terrace where crafts, food preparation and chat was conducted, the area behind would have been an enclosed sleeping area. 

Petroglyphs or rock carvings, the exact meanings have been lost, but there are fish and turtles there and the Polynesians believed that heaven lay in Moana, the sea.

All our best,

Lynne and Alan