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.
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.
The Head Figures
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.
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.
Spiritual Awakening
In the course of Jacob Roggeveen's voyage to Easter Island in 1722, the Dutch explorer shared his thoughts on the Rapa Nui people’s strong affinity toward the spiritual and supernatural. Roggeveen shared, “they relied in case of need on their gods or idols which stand erected all along the seashore in great numbers, before which they fall down and invoke them.”
The first European to discover Easter Island further revealed his thoughts, remarking his observations on priests, who demonstrated far greater devotion to the Moa more than anything else. He also noticed that the religious men looked dramatically sincere compared to the typical islander.