ahu

…with a raised platform (ahu) across one end. A row of upright stone slabs along the ahu were backrests for the gods, while other stones indicated the places of human officiants. The grounds went through various phases of development in the island groups and were the Polynesians’ most conspicuous…

…of giant stone platforms (ahus) with open courtyards on their landward sides, some of which show masterly construction. Archaeological surveys were carried out in 1886, 1914, and 1934; archaeological excavations were initiated in 1955. The excavations revealed that three distinct cultural periods are identifiable on the island.