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This attraction is another part of ancient history of Easter Island. It was probably the fashion in it’s time. Moais became a bit 'old hat', so to bring them up to date, people decided to give them 'topknots'. Puna Pau was a place with various colored volcanic rock and so became the place to quarry them. Deep red was obviously the preferred colour. The quarry is at the top of the mountain and one can climb up to see some spectacular views of the island and it’s coast which overlooks the main town of Hanga Roa. Great spot to visit even for the view of the island. Certainly very highly recommended to any traveler.…
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Date of experience: December 2019
33 Helpful votes1 Repost
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Another stop off site on our Island tour. Puna Pau is a small extinct volcano. Inside the crater there is a quarry of red scoria, a highly pitted, dark coloured volcanic rock, that was once an important source of material for the islanders. The rock is an easy to carve material and was used extensively by the islanders. At the time of our visit, the crater is just a small depression covered with vegetation. Only a few of the scoria rocks are visible on the slope. Another site of historical interest and not to be missed.…
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Date of experience: May 2019
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This is one of the 70 secondary volcanic cones found on the island. Its mineral content is much different that other type found on the island. Because of the iron rich deposits which gives the rocks their rich red color; red scoria is another type of basalt but it it more porous and lighter. The Rapa Nui people used this easily carved material to make topknots, among other things. This is the quarry where all the topknots were carved. Only about 100 topknots are in existence today, compared to the 1000 or so moai scattered around the island. The best lighting is in the morning or afternoon. Walk up to the top of the small nearby crater which gives great views over Hanga Roa and the west site of the island as well as the quarry itself.…
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Date of experience: January 2020
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This was part of our guided tour over 3 days. Another interesting area and again steeped in history. difficult to pick out any particular aspect
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Date of experience: March 2020
1 Helpful vote
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This site was a stop on my full day guided tour. A steep climb is necessary to see where that actual quarry is. Great panoramic view of Hanga Roa and the area, too
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Date of experience: February 2020
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