Hoa Hakananai'a (Easter Island Moai)
by Ancient Polynesian (Unknown), 1200
Artwork Details
Details
- Year
- 1200
- Medium
- Basalt
- Size
- 242 cm (7.9 ft) tall, 4 tons
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Polynesian Hoa Hakananai'a (meaning "stolen friend") is a moai statue from Easter Island (Rapa Nui). Unlike the famous volcanic tuff moai that line the island's coast, this figure is carved from dense basalt. It stood inside a stone house at the ceremonial village of Orongo, associated with the birdman cult.
The statue's back bears detailed birdman carvings added after the original moai was made, showing how the island's religion evolved. Two birdmen flank a central design of dance paddles and vulva symbols. HMS Topaze removed the statue in 1868 and presented it to Queen Victoria, who gave it to the British Museum. Rapa Nui descendants have requested its return, calling the statue their lost friend.
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About Hoa Hakananai'a (Easter Island Moai)
The name translates as "stolen friend" or "hidden friend" in Rapa Nui. The islanders gave this name after the British removed the statue in 1868, expressing their sense of loss.
This moai is carved from dark basalt rather than volcanic tuff. It also bears birdman carvings on its back, added later when Orongo became the center of the birdman cult worship.
The birdman cult emerged after the moai-building period. Chiefs competed annually to collect the first sooty tern egg from a nearby island. The winner's sponsor became the sacred birdman for that year.
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