The Steinhaus Site

For information on how to

obtain financial freedom and

health, and explore the world

for yourself, visit my web site

www.unitoday.net/gogold

Escape the rat race and live

life to it's fullest. Get control

over the time and financial

concerns that prevent you

from achieving your goals!

Easter Island Tongariki Ahu

Tucked away in a dark, desert canyon hides a relic from another age. He faces the east, waiting for the sun to wash over his face each morning. Long left alone to contemplate the passing ages, he now is ready to show himself to the world.

First captured through photography by Dave Steinhaus in 1975, the evidence remained hidden for nearly a quarter of a century. The photo resurfaced in a filing cabinet, with an uncanny timing of the pending millennium.

Wanting to verify the existence of the face, Dave returned to the canyon in June, 1998 to re-photograph the site. After years of thinking that the image was a mere trick of light, the face seemed even more defined then he originally remembered. The similarity of the face to other great sites around the planet became too amazing to be just a coincidence. It was reminiscent of Easter Island, The Sphinx, The Olmec Heads, and even Cydonia on Mars.

Is this structure a creation of nature, or a conscious work of an ancient people, or perhaps more recent visitors? The striking detail and form suggests it was created through a combination of natural forces and a focused effort of artisans. Perhaps they wanted to shape it into the likeness of a venerated entity? The fine details, particularly around the eyes and mouth, could only have been created using sophisticated tools for specific results. The nose, cheeks and forehead seem to be part of a naturally occurring basalt structure, similar to surrounding formations, but the "face" is an obviously enhanced feature.

This leads to the question: who would go to the effort to create this artistic tribute, and why? The neighboring areas are known to have been inhabited as far back as 3500 BC. Archaeological evidence reveals petroglyphs and activity of settlements both here and at nearby mineral hot springs. The rich mineral resources of the Owyhee Mountains have attracted settlers for generations. The region has also given up huge amounts of gold and silver. Fossils, ancient seashells, crystals and other rare stones can still be found.

Another explanation for the face's creation may be associated with the 1819 McKenzie expedition in which two Hawaiian trappers were lost in these desert mountains. In fact, the Owyhee Mountains were name for these men: "Owhyee" is a misspelling of "Hawaii." Perhaps these men of Polynesian descent wanted to memorialize their ancestry by carving a tiki or other structure -- like the one found on Easter Island. Although these Hawaiian explorers were never recovered from the desert mountains, their legend would live on through this "face".

It was originally believed that this area was settled by the nomadic Paiute and Shoshone Indians, tribes composed of hunter-gatherers. It brings up the question of whether these people could be responsible for this creation. The skills necessary to form this structure would elevate the Indians' sociological status and creative ability if it can be traced to them. Also found on the surrounding canyon walls are several unexplained carvings and depressions. Further studies will be needed to determine what, if any, connections they have to the central figure.

The Sphinx by Fiorillo, 1882

Tucked away in a dark, desert canyon hides a relic from another age. He faces the east, waiting for the sun to wash over his face each morning. Long left alone to contemplate the passing ages, he now is ready to show himself to the world.

First captured through photography by Dave Steinhaus in 1975, the evidence remained hidden for nearly a quarter of a century. The photo resurfaced in a filing cabinet, with an uncanny timing of the pending millennium.

Picture and Story