Ana Kai Tangata cave

Ana Kai Tangata or “the cave of cannibals“. The oral tradition reflects ancient episodes of cannibalism on the island by the champion clan in the competitio...
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Ana Kai Tangata or “the cave of cannibals“. The oral tradition reflects ancient episodes of cannibalism on the island by the champion clan in the competition of the Tangata Manu. This group that resided in Mataveri, celebrated the victory with feasts and banquets that, sometimes, included human victims. Some of these cruel feasts took place in the cave, where they led the unfortunate rivals.

Despite what these legends tell, so far no physical evidence has been found in the excavations, which prove these terrible practices. However, it is not ruled out that they existed, due to the continuous clashes between clans and the shortage of food in the past.
The cave is of volcanic origin in which is 10 meters wide, 5 meters high and 15 meters deep. Its opening overlooks the ocean.
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