Moai, sacred ancestor figures of Rapa Nui

Summary

The American Museum of Natural History features a cast of a Moai, a monumental statue from Rapa Nui (Easter Island), which has gained popularity due to its appearance in a movie. The Moai, representing ancestors and sacred figures, are typically over 14 feet tall with distinct features like large eyes and pronounced noses. The cast, created by artist Toshio Asaeda, offers a chance for visitors to learn about Rapa Nui's culture and the transition from the Moai religion to the Bird Man religion. The indigenous people of Rapa Nui are now seeking the repatriation of these significant figures from museums, highlighting the ongoing efforts to preserve and respect their cultural heritage.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Moai statue at the American Museum of Natural History is a cast from Rapa Nui, not an original artifact.
• 🎬 The statue's popularity surged due to its appearance in a recent movie, drawing many visitors to the museum.
• 🌴 Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, is located in the Pacific and is famous for its Moai statues, which are sacred ancestor figures.
• 📏 The Moai statues are massive, with an average height of 14 feet, carved from stone on the island.
• 🌀 The statues served as a bridge between the earthly realm and the supernatural, often standing on platforms called ahu.
• 👁️ Some Moai originally had inlaid eyes made of coral, adding a different visual dimension to their appearance.
• 🌍 The cast in the museum was made by Toshio Asaeda in 1971, during an expedition to Rapa Nui.
• 🗿 There are about 900 Moai figures on the island, typically facing inland with their backs to the sea.
• 🦅 By the 1400s, the original Moai-based religion declined, replaced by the Bird Man religion.
• 🤔 The depiction of the Moai in popular media, such as the 'Dumb Dumb' character in *Night at the Museum*, perpetuates misconceptions about the Moai and Pacific cultures.

Q & A

What is the Moai from Rapa Nui popularly known for?

The Moai from Rapa Nui is popular due to its appearance in a recent movie, which has led to many visitors wanting to take pictures with it at the American Museum of Natural History.

Why is the Moai in the museum a cast and not the original?

The Moai in the museum is a cast because the original Moai are sacred figures that belong in Rapa Nui. They are considered ancestor figures and are very heavy, made out of massive stone carved on the island.

What was the purpose of the Moai in Rapa Nui's culture?

The Moai were worshiped through different ceremonies and were part of a sacred precinct, forming a bridge between the earthly and supernatural realms. They stood on platforms called ahu, facing inwards towards the middle of the island.

How many Moai figures are there on Rapa Nui?

There are close to 900 Moai figures on Rapa Nui.

How were the Moai originally constructed?

The Moai were carved from rock quarries inland, with their fronts carved while still attached to the rock, and then the rest chipped away from behind before being raised.

What were the Moai's original eye features like?

The Moai originally had inlaid eyes, made of coral, which would have made them look very different from how they appear today.

What is the significance of the Moai's physical features, such as their large eyes and pronounced nose?

The large eyes, pronounced nose, and other features like the squarish chin and elongated ears were part of the ritual power and represented the Moai's imposing and dignified nature.

How tall are the Moai on average?

The Moai are on average about 14 feet high.

What is the significance of the Moai's back being to the sea and facing inwards?

The Moai's backs being to the sea and facing inwards towards the middle of the island symbolizes their role as guardians and their connection to the island's ancestral and cultural significance.

Why do the indigenous people of Rapa Nui want some of the Moai in museums to be repatriated?

The indigenous people of Rapa Nui are interested in repatriating some of the Moai because they are sacred figures and important cultural artifacts that hold significant ancestral and spiritual value.

How has the portrayal of the Moai in the movie 'The Night at the Museum' affected public perception?

The portrayal of the Moai as 'Dumb Dumb' in the movie 'The Night at the Museum' continues stereotypes about the Pacific being a primitive place, which is not accurate, and does not reflect the Moai's true significance as figures of wisdom, dignity, and ancestral power.