Today we had a tour a tour with the six other Australians. Every site seeing spot involved stone statues in one form or another. We began at the sparse but interesting anthropology museum to learn all about the Rapa Nui people and the main periods in their history. (Before the Maoi, building the Maoi, smashing the Maoi).
We went to the quarry where the statues were shaped before they were moved into their final locations. (There are over 800 on the island). We saw the biggest Maoi yet formed (over 200 tonnes, but not completely cut out of the quarry).
We then went to several sites where the Maoi were erected. There have been restored as most were toppled during the “smash the Maoi” period of history. We have another full day tour tomorrow (with a pack lunch) and hopefully the opportunity to find the other Easter Island cache. It will be the last opportunity to dispose of the ‘travel bug’ before we go home. The duty free Absolut Citron is helping the assimilation process.
Tags: Easter Island, maoi
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