Scattered across the island of Rapa Nui, ancient moi idols have been standing as a silent watchdog for centuries – looking at the seas, respecting the ancestors, and guarding the spirit of the polynesian heritage. But now, these iconic stone veterans are in danger of being lost forever.
Nature is taking its toll. Once preserved by isolation, Moai is now causing a perfect storm -causing weathering: rising sea levels, storms, temperature swings and even forest fire. Some have already fallen further fractures. Others are dissolved under smoke or slowly salty ocean spray attack.
Carred with volcanic tuffs, a soft and porous stone, moi are particularly weak. In the rain, salt expands inside the rock. The heat cracks their surfaces. Even local animals brushing against them contribute to wearing.
But there is no hope.
The community of Rapa Nui is responding with urgency and innovation:
Scan the sculptures for signs of drone map and stress
Protection treatment to protect stone is being tested
There is a hot discussion about transferring the most endangered figures or letting them return to Earth naturally.
For some, this erosion is part of Moai’s life cycle. For others, this is a cultural emergency.
“When we lose a moi,” a big says, “we lose a voice from our past.”
These experienced faces may disappear from the surface of the island one day – but their story, and the legacy of those who engraved them, echoing around the world.