| At the fifth ''ibi'', two natural stalactites drip water into sacred jugs known as ''shikiyodayuru'' and ''amaduyuru''. This water was historically used in purification rituals as part of the ''oaraori'' induction of a new head priestess. | | At the fifth ''ibi'', two natural stalactites drip water into sacred jugs known as ''shikiyodayuru'' and ''amaduyuru''. This water was historically used in purification rituals as part of the ''oaraori'' induction of a new head priestess. |
− | Finally, the ''sangui'' is the ''ibi'' most famous and most associated with Sêfa utaki today. A short tunnel-like triangular passage between two large stones leaning against one another, it is perhaps the chief site where visitors take photos and which appears in tourism guidebooks and other promotional materials. Past this tunnel is a small lookout point from which Kudaka Island is again visible; though some say this lookout point was not historically a site of ritual activity but only a location where ritual preparations were performed, the natural geography of the spot - on the opposite end of a tunnel, after coming down a lengthy path deep into the ''utaki'', and with a good view of Kudaka - makes it an obvious point of interest. Archaeological excavations, furthermore, have uncovered ''[[magatama]]'' beads, coins, ceramics, and other items of note near this point. | + | Finally, the ''sangui'' is the ''ibi'' most famous and most associated with Sêfa utaki today. A short tunnel-like triangular passage between two large stones leaning against one another, it is perhaps the chief site where visitors take photos and which appears in tourism guidebooks and other promotional materials. Past this tunnel is a small lookout point from which Kudaka Island is again visible; though some say this lookout point was not historically a site of ritual activity but only a location where ritual preparations were performed, the natural geography of the spot - on the opposite end of a tunnel, after coming down a lengthy path deep into the ''utaki'', and with a good view of Kudaka - makes it an obvious point of interest. Archaeological excavations, furthermore, have uncovered ''[[magatama]]'' beads, coins, ceramics, and other items of note near this point. It is believed that Kudaka was not historically visible from here, however, and that it was only with the shelling of the island in 1945 that the rock face was altered and the view of the island became possible. |