Wednesday, August 12th – Easter Island
This morning I went on a hike to the highest point on the
island. It was a simply magnificent
morning! The hike in total was about 12
km. On our way, we came across a fallen
moai. This moai didn’t have eye sockets
so was not a venerated ancestor. They
are not sure why this maoi is in this location as most of the moai are along
the coast and this one was so far inland.
I think that is one of the things that I love about this island….so much
of the history is really a mystery! There are so many different theories on the
purpose of the maoi and various means of
transportation….and the traditions of the people….but since so much of the
population was lost with colonization and the spread of disease, there are no
written records…and so much is just conjecture.
It leaves it to the mind of the traveler to examine the information
presented and side with one of the theories presented…or devise one of your own. (Guess which category I might fit into? J) It took us through
rolling hills and small craters until we finally reached the top of the
volcano. The views from the top were
spectacular! You could actually see the
island in its entirety! I really can’t
put into words how beautiful it was! I
have been so amazed at the natural beauty of the island. I guess before I came here I was simply
expecting to see statues….but there is so much more!!!! When we reached the top of the mountain there
was a pile of rocks…you can see it in the picture below…the legend is that when
you reach the top you are supposed to take a rock and place it on the
pile. Once you have done that the Rapa
Nui spirits will grant a wish for you. J
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| The morning hike! |
This afternoon we are
went to the quarry to see where they actually made the moai and to see the
roads where it is believed they transported the statues all over the
island. It was beyond unbelievable! Everywhere you turned there were moai!!! Our guide, Sebastian, was excellent! He told us so many interesting stories! The heads of the statues that you see all have complete bodies under the earth. Archaeologists have excavated and uncovered the bodies, but then recovered them with earth to preserve them. The many moai that are left in the quarry were either meant to stay there to honor the carvers after they died, or were fallen and believed to be cursed so not moved. The moai are carved directly from the mountain. They are carved completely in the front before being cut away from the mountain! They range from 5 feet to 21 feet!!!! Tremendous!!!! The most interesting story he shared was where he told us that the original purpose of the moai was for the ancestors to protect the people and bring prosperity...so he said...that is exactly what they are doing today! So many people are coming to visit the islands today because of the statues. So...they are bringing the people the prosperity they need...and helping them to regain their pride and honor after the devastation of colonization by Europeans and enslavement by the Peruvians. There are more stories I will share with you when I see all of you! I literally have hundreds of pics....I just shared a few and will happily share the rest when I see you!
After our visit to the quarry, we took a walk back to the lodge along one of the "roads" that they believe the Rapa Nui used to transport the statues to the various parts of the island. There are many theories as to how they actually moved them...but our guide believes they were transported as if they were walking. If they fell along the way, they were left where they were as they were then believed to be cursed. Fascinating...it could take more than a year to build...and an extended time transporting them around the island...and then they could fall right before they get to their destination...imagine...but Sebastian said the people wouldn't be upset because they would believe it was the will of the spirits!
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| All of the moai have different characteristics...they are designed to resemble those that have died. |
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