Ever wondered the mystery behind those giant stone head statues? Me too. So, I embarked on a journey to the middle of nowhere to explore Easter Island.
Set out in the midst of the Pacific Ocean over 2000 miles from the coast of Chilé sits one of the most remote islands in the world called “Rapa Nui,” better known as Easter Island.
This wildly remote Polynesian island inhabits rich ancient culture and spiritualism, but it’s greatest mystery surrounds the giant monolithic statues of human heads called Moai. Carved from volcanic rock centuries ago and beckoning up to 33 feet tall, the origin of these larger than life statues in such an isolated location makes for quite the tall tale.
Legend has it that nearly one thousand statutes were carved by the island’s inhabitants over three centuries as a way to honor their tribal leaders and chieftains following their death. The islanders believed that the mana, or life force energy, of their ancestors remained on the island - and that construction of these massive monuments would return their spirit to the tribe.
But over time, the creation and movement of these statues depleted the island’s natural resources - resulting in massive deforestation, famine, and inciting war amongst the tribes.To settle their differences, the tribes arranged a dangerous and often deadly competition each year where the tribe’s chosen warriors would compete for honor and control of the island.
And in its wake, hundreds of these statutes were destroyed, left unfinished, and remained largely in ruin - scattered across the island. Countless carvings found across the island retell this tale and pay homage to old gods, ancient rituals, and the brave warriors who laid down their lives for power and glory.
But alas, this short story only scratches the surface of the ancient mythos of this magical island - as this larger than life mystery must truly be experienced to be believed.