Презентация по теме "Путешествие. Загадочные места. Остров Пасхи".

MOAI STATUES on EASTER ISLAND

English teacher Zakrzhevskaya E.A.

Famous Stone Statues of Easter Island (Moai )

Easter Island was constructed by basaltic lava and pyroclastic debris (volcanic ash) sourced from mafic mantle material.

The most famous features found on Easter Island are the huge statues (Moai) carved from consolidated volcanic ash. Most stand about 5 metres tall and weigh about 20-40 tonnes. For the most part these were carved as one piece (monolithic).

Who Were the Islanders ?

Based on genetic evidence, It is believed that Easter Island was first settled in by seafaring Polynesian people from the west.

Easter Island is believed to have been first settled by about 700 AD.

For hundreds of years, Easter Island was an isolated paradise with a distinct culture.

As part of this culture, islanders created skillfully carved terraces and small statues.

Easter

Island

History of Colonization of Easter Island

By about 1220 AD, the islanders were building ceremonial stone platforms called ahu, upon which the famous giant stone statues (Moai) were erected.

The largest statues weigh up to 80 tonnes !

Ahu (statue platform)

Construction of Moai

Approximately 900 Moai, in various stages of construction,

have been found on Easter Island.

Unfinished Moai have been found in cliffs of the volcanic crater Ranu Raraku, indicating that they were carved at this site.

Partially carved moai

beside a crater cliff

Location of Rano Raraku quarry

Tools Used for Moai Carving

Axes made of non-porous basalt appear to have been used to carve the statues.

Basalt axes used to carve

moai

What do the Moai Represent ?

The current interpretation of the function of the Moai is that

these statues were constructed as guardians of the island people.

The moai were apparently constructed by the ruling class of the island, the “long ears.”