Easter Island

Easter Island

Introduction

Located to the east of the Polynesian Islands in the South Pacific, more than 3,000 kilometers from the west coast of Chile and relatively far from other islands. This small island covers an area of approximately 120 square kilometers, with its capital being Hanga Roa. The Dutch navigator Jacob Roggeveen discovered the island on April 5, 1722, and since that day happened to be Easter, it was named Easter Island.

Easter Island is triangular in shape, with a larger volcano at each of its three corners. There are also numerous smaller volcanoes on the island. The craters are covered with moss and wild grass. Larger craters have formed lakes, with reeds growing along their shores. All of this contributes to the unique natural scenery of Easter Island.

The most famous features of Easter Island are the massive stone statues, with about 1,000 having been discovered. Most of these huge statues are located near the sea—some standing in the grass, some lying on the ground, and others erected on altars. The statues are generally 7–10 meters tall and weigh around 90 tons. They have elongated heads, deep eye sockets, high noses, prominent chins, and long ears. They have no feet, with arms hanging down at their sides and hands resting on their abdomens. These statues are carved from light yellow volcanic rock. Some are topped with hats made of red stone, a few meters high and cylindrical in shape. Some statues also bear carvings resembling tattoo-like symbols. In addition, statues even larger than these—about twice the size—have been discovered, but most of them are unfinished.

Santiago, Chile