The translation of Ana Kai Tangata can have several meanings. Kai means food or eat and Tangata means man or person. The name of the cave can therefore can be translated as "a place where people eat" or "a place where people are eaten." It is highly probable that cannibalism was practiced on Rapa Nui, especially in the 17th century, when the local culture collapsed as a result of the deforestation leading to island's climate change, lack of resources and, consequently, food shortages.
The cave Ana Kai Tangata is in close proximity to the town of Hanga Roa. This is a very easy accessible grotto with an entrance at sea level. The cave is famous for its colorful paintings showing seabirds that islanders call Manutara. These cavern images suggest a close relationship between this cave and village of Orongo, where the annual Tangata Manu completion took place every spring.
