20.10.08

The origin of the Moai
















The legend tells of six men sent by their master to consult with a master from the Marama tribe on how to sculpt a "moai" statue. During three days, the master cooked them a "Umu Tahu", refusing to answer their question. When the young men left to go home, the old master yelled after them, "Go and tell Miru A'Hotu that down below, on your own selves, is the "moai". Without understanding a thing, the men continued on their way until one of them stopped to urinate. Looking down, he called to his companions and said, "Look. Down, on our own selves, is the form of the "moai".

Rano Raraku, the main moai quarry

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