Jordan Cleek Art History II June 9th, 2013

The Easter Islands: A Brief Look at the Moai The Easter Islands are approximately sixty-four square miles in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean (History). Its name was given by Dutch explores to commemorate the day they arrived in 1722. Prior to that, it was known as Rapa Nui to its original inhabitants. Today, it is an annex of Chile and primarily bases its economy on tourism. It is also one of the most mystifying places on Earth, possessing a history that remains as unclear as it is evocative (Geographia). The area is probably best known for the moai, monolithic carvings of volcanic rock. Hundreds of these structures litter the landscape of Easter Island. However, scientists are still puzzled about how and why the moai were ever constructed. These carvings can be up to forty feet tall and weigh more than seventy-five tons (Live Science). The statues can be found all over the island, but they dont face out to the sea. In fact, they all face inward. Scientists believe they could have been used to honor deities or people living on the island. Although little is known about them, this doesnt stop tourist from coming thousands of miles away to stare at them in respect and wonder. Regardless of the context of the monoliths, the sheer size of the carvings is the most impressive aspect of this art. Having a brief knowledge on the technology of this time, the labor that went into carving and transporting these pieces is unfathomable. I thought this was a prime example to enrich the discussion question, How important is contextual and culturally understanding to the appreciation of a work of art? Here in the moai, there needs to be no cultural or contextual understanding to bring in thousands of tourists every year to see these fabulous works of art.

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Jordan Cleek Art History II June 9th, 2013

Easter Island and Moai

Works Cited
"Chile - Easter Island." Chile - Easter Island. Geographia.com., n.d. Web. 09 July 2013. "Easter Island." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 09 July 2013. "Easter Island (Rapa Nui) & Moai Statues." LiveScience.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 July 2013.

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