Straight from the Moai’s mouth!
Un símbolo misterioso
Rapa Nui is a timeless Chilean icon thanks to its 887 Moai – the mysterious stone monoliths, built 1250-1500AD. Many are unfinished, damaged or fallen.
Rapa Nui is in geographic isolation. The nearest continental point is Chile, over 3500km away!
Why are the Moai there? What happened their creators? The mystery is why the island interests me.
Una breve historia trágico
For 1000 years, Rapa Nui’s inhabitants had zero contact with outsiders. It was discovered by Dutch explorers on Easter Sunday, 1722. This allowed for foreign disease and destruction.
By 1770, the island was in the “aftermath of epidemic and population crash“. By 1868, not one Moai stood. Chile annexed the island, destroyed native vegetation and gave the land to agriculture.
The Moai statues witnessed the instability of Rapa Nui. Thankfully, the Polynesian language survived and the culture lives on.
Una revisión crítica
There are a few points about Rapa Nui that need addressing.
- There is more to the island than the Moai. Rapa Nui is not only its past, but has thriving marine life, pink-sand beaches and volcanoes!
- More importantly, how did Rapa Nui become a Chileanicon? The Moai weren’t built by Chileans! Chileans even assisted the downfall of the original Rapa Nui. However, it has been the excellent restorative work of Chilean and international specialists who are dedicated to the Moai’s maintenance. Today, Chile embracesthe traditional culture and spirit of the Rapa Nui, which continues with people, language, clothes, music, dance, crafts and food.
The annual Tapati festival celebrates traditions with body-painting, song, dance and the selection of the queen.
En mi opinión, la historia de la Isla de Pascua es muy interesante e quiero ir allí. Espero que las tradiciones de la gente Rapa Nui continúan durante siempre.
Chile Is Good For You 