According to William Mulloy (American archaeologist), the ahu evolved gradually, experiencing no major changes caused by external influence. This theory contradicts another Rapa Nui tradition that speaks about a second migratory wave that brought the Hanau Epe, a strong people, that subjugated the original community brought by Hotu Matua, known as Hanay Momkor, or thin race.
Tongariki is the biggest ahu of all. This ahu is located in the south coast and had a forty-five meters long platform, expandable up to one hundred and sixty meters, with lateral extensions, that hosted about 15 moai with red stone hats.