Sunday, December 03, 2006

Fences, gates and ingenuity on Easter Island

This one is for the Virtual Ranger. We found much ingenuity in the use of materials on Easter Island. Everything must be shipped in from the mainland (2000 miles away) with the consequent markup in cost, so they try to get all of the use they can.
I wonder if the Virtual Ranger can tell me if this gate is hung correctly (hinges on the right).

Note the use of inexpensive eucalyptus tree branches from the island, even as hinges.





Another part of the wall had a gate made of an old bed frame. You should clearly be able to see the rusty springs that give away the provenance of this piece.




Other folks use a lock to hold the toilet paper holder closed, on Easter Island a simple twist of wire will do.




Even the hotel we stayed in right before and after the horse back riding portion of the trip didn't waste money on fancy materials when simple particle board with varnish would do. You can even see the green dye that marks the edge.

Kudos to the Easter Islanders for their ingenuity and reuse of materials.


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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Undoubtedly, the gate is hung correctly. This is absolutely fascinating! Your photographs are really something, and your observations about how the locals reuse stuff is really intriguing. I hope you have a few more in store for us.

I hope you don't mind, but I've 'borrowed' your gate photo for a post of my own. Linked back, of course. if you'd rather I didn't, do say.

Richard said...

Information just wants to be free. Feel free to use the picture. It's too bad we don't know whose ranch that was to give proper credit. I knew a reference to gates would draw in the Virtual Ranger.