It’s highly likely that you may have first stumbled upon Easter Island and its captivating features during a geography lesson or study. The island that’s hidden far away in some distant part of the Pacific Ocean holds a constellation of massive statues that look like heads.
From the Polynesian word meaning “head,” the strange stone figures were appropriately named Moai. And never think for a moment that this image tells the whole story as there are far more stone heads sitting on the island than what is shown in the picture. All in all, there are an astounding 887 Moai scattered across the island. What’s more, there is more to the Moai than just a cluster of heads sitting on a secluded volcanic island in the Pacific.
Who Were the Builders?
In spite of its rich history and the various theories that accompanied it, a conclusive explanation as to who precisely built the colossal Moai statues, how they did it, and why, is still up in the air. A widely known theory proposes that the massive stone figures were made by top professional carvers of the ancient Polynesian craft guilds.
One other theory also proposes that constituents of every tribe joined forces to build the magnificent Moai. This is a logical proposition since the Rano Raraku quarry was known to be divided into distinct regions designated for every tribe that belonged to their people.
A Higher Purpose
We have already mentioned a plethora of different theories around the true meaning of the Moai and the more profound significance that they carry but there are plenty more theories that have been thrown around throughout the years. A considerable number of archaeologists support the notion that they were built to symbolize power and ruling.
For the people living on Easter Island, however, the Moai served a far higher purpose and meaning. The Moai were recognized as physical embodiments of spirits deeply rooted in their beliefs, culture, and identity as a people. There’s also a theory suggesting that the Moa manifested their old ancestors, who continually watch over the island and its people, far across the sea.
UNESCO Status
Easter Island is home to the world-renowned Rapa Nui National Park which was included in the list of UNESCO'S World Heritage Sites more than two decades past. The National Park’s recognition as a World Heritage Site finally came into fruition thanks heavily to its immense popularity all over the world and the legendary Moai which embellished the volcanic island gem of the Pacific.
A significantly large chunk of Easter Island has been officially stated as a territory of the Rapa Nui National Park. On March 22, 1996, UNESCO ultimately gave Rapa Nui National Park the prestigious World Heritage status in its criteria of culture.
Long Hair Don't Care
You might be surprised to learn that the Moai actually sported hats. The headgear, called pukao in the Rapa Nui language, apparently signified human hair. Easter Island Natives used to wrap their hair securely around their heads similar to the shape of the ball. It’s the same rationale why tribal chiefs would refuse to shorten their hair because of this common practice.
Ancient islanders believed that mystical powers called “mana” were linked to a person’s hair which meant cultivating a long, healthy hair would give you good fortune. Because of this belief, men would carry stones, mount them up against the Moai and then move the pukao above the head.