Aloha,

One of the mysteries of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is the connection between the Moai statue builders and the Tangata Manu (Bird-man) cult that followed them. Was the traditional ideology overthrown? Did they co-exist?

Only one known artifact connects the two ideologies: Moai Hoa Hakananai'a.

Perched on the edge of the extinct volcano Rano Kau is the ceremonial village of Orongo, the center of the annual Tangata Manu contest. Hoa Hakananai'a was the only Moai in the village. This Moai is among the small number that were carved from harder stone (basalt) and it bears carved symbols of the Bird-man cult which is unique.

Clearly this is an important piece of history for the modern Rapa Nui people and a connection to their past. Unfortunately... it isn't in Orongo any longer.

In 2009 a group of Rapa Nui students participating in 'a pó, The Rapa Nui Youth Involvement Program, produced a video about Hoa Hakananai'a.

There are dozens of Moai in museums and private collections around the world but none are like this one. It is believed that Hoa Hakananai'a means "stolen or hidden friend." Here in the virtual islands we tend to agree with the "stolen" translation. Hopefully one day this lost Moai will find its way home again.

The Fraternal Order of Moai is pleased to support the Rapa Nui Youth Involvement Program though the Easter Island Foundation. For more information about 'a pó please visit: www.terevaka.net/apo.

Keep the torches burning,

—Tagata Maori Rogorogo