The Walk of the Moai
When I was a child, in the early age of the island, I remember listening with wonder to stories of the eyeless giants, the moai,
walking along the beach toward their stone foundations. My parents told
me they were guardians, but only a few knew who or what they guarded. Even
the original method of transportation is uncertain now. Some believe they
were pulled horizontally to their resting place, while others believe they
were pulled in a standing or "walking" position. Over 600 monoliths
were constructed, most over twenty feet tall. These statues are symbols
of the stability and strength of my culture and my people. But the meanings
of these symbols are now largely forgotten and the stability they guarded
is losing its hold.
The Decline of the Moai
Our once strong culture was declining due to competition
and obsession. The building of the moai was no longer a meaningful, beautiful
art, but a contest between rivaling tribes. Moai were constructed to ridiculous
heights; they were so large, once finished, they could hardly be transported.
I once found an unfinished moai that was 70 feet in length.
The Collapse of the Moai
Mild rivaling turned to all out war between the many tribes
of Rapa Nui. The lack of wood and other resources caused bloodshed all
across the barren terrain. Anarchy took over and the life of the island
changed forever. The statues that once were the symbols of life and strength
were thrown down and broken.
The Birdman Cult
It was a long time before there was any sense of order.
Not until the rise of Birdman Cult did order reign. This new organization
thrived on the crater, Rano Kau, in the village Orongo,where they worshipped
Makemake, the god of fertility. This order proved to be the cause of Rapa
Nui's gradual recovery. Leadership of the group was determined by an intense
competition consisting of climbing down a huge rocky cliff and swimming
through shark infested waters. The winner is declared Birdman for the year.
When I was younger I was a victor in this grueling race. This carving was
made in my honor. The same is done for all birdmen.
