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Statues on Easter Island, late 18th century. Artist: C Bottigella
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Statues on Easter Island, late 18th century. Artist: C Bottigella
Statues on Easter Island, late 18th century. Known as Moai, these large stone statues in human form are carved from a type of volcanic rock known as tuff. The statues were carved at a quarry on the island between c1000 and 1600 and transported some distance to the sites where they were to stand. The cult of carving Moai seems to have been abandoned quite abruptly as many of the figures, both finished and unfinished, remain in the quarry. The population of Easter Island declined from the 14th or 15th century, possibly due to the environmental consequences of deforestation, which led to soil erosion and meant that the inhabitants no longer had the material to build fishing boats. War, disease and the consequences of contact with Europeans from the early 18th century accelerated the decline and today the islanders ancient culture is forgotten and the significance of the mysterious Moai within it is uncertain. From an account of Captain James Cooks visit to the island in 1774
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Media ID 15136340
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the enigmatic beauty of the statues on Easter Island, dating back to the late 18th century. Created by artist C Bottigella, these magnificent stone figures known as Moai were meticulously carved from volcanic rock called tuff. Each statue represents a human form and was painstakingly crafted at a quarry on the island between c1000 and 1600. Transported over long distances, these monumental sculptures were intended to stand proudly in various locations across Easter Island. However, for reasons still shrouded in mystery, the cult of carving Moai abruptly ceased. Consequently, many completed and unfinished figures remain scattered throughout the abandoned quarry. The decline of Easter Island's population began around the 14th or 15th century due to severe deforestation that resulted in soil erosion and deprived inhabitants of materials necessary for constructing fishing boats. Subsequently, warfare, diseases brought by European contact since the early 18th century further hastened their downfall. Today, this isolated island's ancient culture has been forgotten while its significance remains uncertain. The mysterious Moai statues serve as silent witnesses to an era lost in time. This particular image is derived from Captain James Cook's account during his visit to Easter Island in 1774 - offering us a glimpse into this remote world steeped in intrigue and wonderment.
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