3 minute lesson
Rapa Nui: A Legacy Left in Stone!
Why did the ancient inhabitants of Easter Island carve enormous stone heads?
You may have seen the huge faces carved in stone before, but you might not know where they come from. These massive objects–called “moai”–live on Rapa Nui, a small volcanic island off the coast of Chile. They were built by Polynesian explorers who crossed two thousand miles of ocean to establish a new outpost of civilization. Though it’s not clear exactly why the settlers built the moai, we suspect they were intended to immortalize important members of their community.
Take a look at this video from National Geographic!
Why It Matters
Human culture is incredibly varied and diverse.
The world is big, wild, and wonderful–not least of all because of the many different ways that humans have found ways to express ourselves. We all build shelters to protect ourselves from the elements, but humans also create more mysterious objects, whether it’s immense cathedrals, tiny beautiful works of art, or these moai. These are just some of the ways we humans have found a way to express our cultural beliefs.
Take a look at some other places around the world; you might find some things more familiar than you expect! Check out the food of Mexico! Get down with some Hawaiian hula-dancers! See some South African skateboarders!
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National Geographic
Inspiring people to care about the planet! National Geographic is the world’s premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what’s possible.