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All the United States Northern Mariana Islands Tinian House of Taga

House of Taga

In ancient times, these fallen standing stones supported a massive house.

Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands

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cocoshiva
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House of Taga   cocoshiva / Atlas Obscura User
House of Taga   cocoshiva / Atlas Obscura User
House of Taga   cocoshiva / Atlas Obscura User
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One of the fallen pillars at House of Taga.   CNMIHPO / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Located on the tiny island of Tinian, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the megalithic site known as the House of Taga was once an impressive collection of standing stones, all but one of which is now fallen.

At the time of their construction, the stone pillars at the House of Taga would have stood around 15 feet tall, each topped with a hemispherical stone. These are thought to have acted as the main supports for a house made of wood and straw, which would have helped protect the home from floods and wildlife.

The site gets its name from the local legend that surrounds the ancient stones. In the more realistic version of the tale, Chieftain Taga started the nearby quarry from which the stones were mined, building the structure for his love, a woman from the island of Rota. In the more elaborate version of the tale, Taga actually picked up the massive stone pillars and put them in place by hand. Both versions are probably only partially true, but the ruins that remain are absolutely real.

It is thought that earthquakes felled most of the stones, and today only one of the original 15 still stands tall. Visitors can pay a visit to the mythical chieftain’s ruins, although it is not advisable that anyone attempt to lift the stones themselves.  

Related Tags

Standing Stones Rocks Mythology Geology

Know Before You Go

The House of Taga is located in San Jose Village: east of Kammer Beach, west of the dock.

Community Contributors

Added By

cocoshiva

Edited By

aribrown, CNMIHPO

  • aribrown
  • CNMIHPO

Published

July 22, 2015

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Sources
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Taga
  • http://ancientart.tumblr.com/post/76387920099/the-archaeological-site-of-the-house-of-taga-the
  • http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=35171
House of Taga
Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands
United States
14.966854, 145.622193

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Photo of Tinian

Tinian

Northern Mariana Islands

Places 3

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miles away

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miles away

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Photo of Tinian

Tinian

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