Unfinished statues at Rano Raraku. Most people don’t realize that these statues are half buried in the soil.
The statue in the foreground traveled to Japan as part of the Osaka Trade Fair in 1990. You can see Rano Raraku, the statue quarry, in the background.
Ahu Tongariki, the largest ceremonial site on the island, stretches almost 300 meters in length and has some of the largest standing statues on it.
The moai represented ancestor figures to the ancient people. They were not molds of the same, but each was unique as the person they represented.
The cliffs of Poike with the islet Motu Marotiri nearby, where ancient ceremonies took place for children.
Rano Kau, the South Western crater of the island, is filled with rainwater and was used in ancient times by the town to gather drinking water.
Three islets seen off the South Western point of the island. Competitors of the Bird Man competition would have to climb down the cliff and swim to the farthest island to search for the first egg of the sooty tern.
A cultural presentation of a warrior about to “Haka Pei,” an ancient sport performed by warriors.
Takona performance. The use of body paint was and is still used to tell stories of the past.
A young Rapanui, dressed in traditional clothes, figuring out which “helado” flavor he wants. International foods are now somewhat available on the island, which has sadly lead to health issues for many islanders. Our documentary, Eating Up Easter, will focus on some of that.