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All Chile Rapa Nui The Navel of the World

The Navel of the World

This large round boulder is said to emit spiritual power, but it may just be magnets.

Rapa Nui, Chile

Added By
Deni
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The Navel of the World   uncorrectedproofs on Flickr
The Navel of the World   uncorrectedproofs on Flickr
Navel of the World, Rapa Nui   Bladerunner64 / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Rapa Nui is not short on marvelously mysterious stone structures what with the famous stone heads scattered across the island. But there is another baffling landmark called the Navel of the World which may be a font of spiritual influence.

On first sight, the Navel of the World appears to be nothing more than a large, rounded boulder placed among a crude rock perimeter. However, the mysterious stone was believed to have been brought to the island specifically by the first king, Hotu Matua. The name of the stone comes from the legend that it is the navel of the world, from which all life sprang, although this is more likely due to its perfectly round shape.

No matter the origin, the rock does display a few abnormal traits. For instance, when a compass is placed on the rock it loses its direction, likely due to magnetic elements in the rock itself rather than a more ephemeral cause. There are now four stones around the rock which were placed more recently and which represent the four sides of the compass.

Related Tags

Rocks Geology Natural Wonders Geological Oddities Mystery Spots And Gravity Hills Nature

Know Before You Go

9km north of Ahu Tongariki following the dirt road. Next to the Te Pito Kura ahu, the Navel is to the left.

Community Contributors

Added By

deni367

Edited By

LaTortueNoire, hrnick, jerryberkstresser, Molly McBride Jacobson...

  • LaTortueNoire
  • hrnick
  • jerryberkstresser
  • Molly McBride Jacobson
  • EricGrundhauser
  • petrysl
  • Collector of Experiences
  • Bladerunner64

Published

September 25, 2013

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Sources
  • www.aurora-borealis.ca
  • http://gosouthamerica.about.com/cs/southamerica/a/ChileRapaNui.htm
The Navel of the World
Unnamed Road
Rapa Nui
Chile
-27.088261, -109.299583
Visit Website
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Nearby Places

Pu o Hiro (Hiro's Trumpet)

Rapa Nui, Chile

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Rapa Nui, Chile

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Rapa Nui

Rapa Nui

Chile

Places 7
Stories 6

Nearby Places

Pu o Hiro (Hiro's Trumpet)

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miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Rapa Nui

Rapa Nui

Chile

Places 7
Stories 6

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