Rano Raraku

Rano Raraku is one of the most extraordinary archeological sites in the world. This beautiful volcano with a lagoon in it’s crater, was formed more than 300,000 years ago and on its southern slope you will find the quarry where the Moais were carved.

Rano Raruku has had a massive significance to the Rapa Nui people throughout history. The lagoon in it’s crater has provided them with fresh drinking water, and it has been the host of the Tau’a Rapa Nui, the Rapa Nui Triathlon, a prestigious competition held every year during Tapati Rapa Nui. But most importantly on it’s 800m long cliff face is where the sculptors created the Moai.

When you enter Rano Raraku you will find 397 Moai, both finished and those still in the process of being carved. It is easy to feel when you visit, that time has been paused and appreciate that everything has been left, just as it would have been when the carving of the massive Moais was happening. Because of the preservation, you will be able to see the process that was used to carve the Moai. It seems that the sculptor, using a tool called a ‘Toki’ first carved the face, neck, torso and arms. The sculptor then starts on the sides and back leaving a thin rock attachment along the spine of the Maoi. Holes were then drilled into this line of rock until the Moai was released, and then it was carefully slid down the hillside. It seems that they used ropes and tree trunks to achieve this, though this was very dangerous and skeletal remains have been found with injuries assumed to have been caused during this process. The Moais were then placed into pre dug holes in an upright position and then the finishing touches were done. After the Moai was completed it was transported to it’s Ahu. It is unknown how they transported such heavy, delicate carvings around the Island.

When you take in the partially completed Moai, you can’t help but think that it’s strange for such a huge undertaking to suddenly stop, without all of the cravings being completed. One theory is that the Hanau Momoko people who were forced to do the carvings, rebelled against the tribe Hanau E’epe. It is believed that the Hanau E’epe tribe were oppressing the Hanau Momoko people and using them as slaves. There was an uprising by the Hanau Momoko people and a battle was fought, when the Hanau Momoko people had freed themselves they were no longer forced to carve the Moais and chose not to do so anymore.