easter island: travel and debunking alien myths

Moai.

Many of you have probably heard a theory that the Moai (statues depicting the Rapa Nui people) scattered throughout Easter Island (or Isla de Pascua in Spanish or Rapa Nui in the native tongue) were created by aliens. These statues are large and look "alien" in that they do not look like a typical human statue.

One of the many good things about traveling is debunking myths such as aliens creating the Moai. Why are these statues not created by aliens?


The main reason is that there is a quarry full of statues in different stages of completion. Clearly, people created them. 

Archaeologists at the quarry.

  

Can you spot the Moai being carved?

How many unfinished Moai can you spot?

Our very knowledgeable guide from Easter Island Spirit explained that the Rapa Nui people (the native inhabitants of Easter Island) had many clans. When a clan chief died, members of the clan commissioned the carving of a statue. The remains of the chief were buried under the statue. In effect, these Moai were like headstones. The Moai were also carved with the likeness of their chieftains in mind... except their likeness were exaggerated.

One of the clans specialized in carving statues. Another clan specialized in carving top knots (the fez-like hats that adorned the heads of the statues). If a clan could not pay for a statue, the Moai was left in the quarry until it could be paid.

Numerous Moai (most of the bodies have since been buried) left in the quarry.

Moai (most of the bodies buried) at the quarry.

The only remaining mystery is how the statues were transported from the quarry to various locations around the islands. Many theories abound. But, none of the feasible ones are alien related.

A top knot from the top knot quarry.

Although I never believed that aliens created Moais, I found the theory very fascinating. After all, it is possible that other life forms exist elsewhere given that we occupy only a tiny speck in the universe. But, my visit to Easter Island definitely destroyed the alien myth of the Moai. I saw and learned so much. If you have not visited Easter Island already, I highly encourage you to do so. The history and all the other tidbits of information about the Moai are so enthralling.


How has travel debunked any myth you have heard?