rano raraku
the birthplace of the moai
Rano Raraku is a small extinct volcano in the southeastern part of the island, known as the “moai quarry,” and it is from its slope that the majority of the moai were carved. The quarry is filled with volcanic tuff, a type of volcanic stone made of compressed ash that is homogenous and relatively easy to carve. Around 400 moai statues remain on site in various stages of completion. Some appear mostly finished and can be found standing upright on the hillside; others remain only partially carved from the rock of the cliffside, and offer a look as to how they were visualized and cut free by the Rapa Nui masons hundreds of years ago. Even today, Rano Raraku holds immense cultural, historical, and spiritual significance to the Rapa Nui people.
Unfinished moai, 2009
I must say that visiting this place was magical. I went in the late afternoon, just as the sun was beginning to sink towards the horizon, when fewer people were visiting the quarry. The clouds were scattered and moving quickly, and the light was absolutely surreal. It was certainly a life experience to walk amongst these strange, mysterious statues in such a remote place and to consider the decades and centuries lying between their creation and my being there in their company.
A respectful conversation, 2009