to prepare the imu, the men first dig a large hole in the shape bownl about three feet wide and two feet deep.
they then line the bottom and sides of the hole with the lava rocks. Firewood is cut and piled up,ready for the holihay morning when a fire is lit inside the hole. as the fire gets bigger and hotter, more rocks are placed in the hole. finally, the lava rocks get so hot that they glow red and white. the fire is then brushed aside, andseveral of the hot rocks are placed inside the turkey or pig. the meat us then wrapped in the long, broad leaves of the ti plant and tied up tightly with wire.