Ahu

The name of a rectangular stone platform, the largest with stepped sides, which was a focus of court rituals in prehistoric Eastern Polynesian temples (marae). Most of these platforms are found in the Society Islands, and on Easter Island, where ahu were statue foundations.

A rectangular stone platform, with stepped sides in larger examples, which served as a focus for rituals in the courts of prehistoric Eastern Polynesian temples (maraé). Construction of such platforms was most developed in the Society Islands, and in Easter Island, where ahu served as statue foundations. See also marae, Maeva, Mahaiatea, Taputapuatea, Vinapu.