Orongo

"Orongo is an important archaeological site located on the southwestern edge of the Rano Kau crater on Easter Island (Rapa Nui). It was the center of the Birdman cult, a significant ritual competition that took place during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Birdman cult was a religious and political contest that emerged after the collapse of the Moai-building era on Easter Island. Representatives from different clans would compete in the annual birdman competition known as the "Tangata Manu" ceremony. The goal was to retrieve the first egg laid by a sooty tern from the nearby islet of Motu Nui, located off the coast of Orongo. The competition was highly symbolic and had political implications. The winner of the Tangata Manu ceremony would become the birdman for that year, and his sponsoring clan would gain significant prestige and power within the Rapa Nui society until the next year's competition. Orongo consists of a collection of low, stone-walled houses that were used by the participants during the ceremony. The houses are well-preserved and demonstrate impressive dry-stone masonry, a characteristic construction technique of the Rapa Nui people. The site also features numerous petroglyphs and rock carvings, many of which depict birdmen and the birdman competition. These carvings provide valuable insights into the cultural and religious beliefs of the Rapa Nui people during the Birdman cult era. Today, Orongo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination on Easter Island. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins, admire the intricate petroglyphs, and learn about the fascinating history and cultural significance of the birdman cult and its role in the island's past civilization."