Esteemed Moai Society

Moai or moʻai are monolithic human figures carved by the Rapa Nui people on Rapa Nui in eastern Polynesia between the years 1250 and 1500. Nearly half are still at Rano Raraku, the main moai quarry, but hundreds were transported from there and set on stone platforms called ahu around the island's perimeter. This society was formed to appreciate their importance and impact on global culture. Moai represent the greatest leaders of the Rapa Nui and this is reflected in their imposing designs. However, the Moai bear exaggerated features which convey the humanity of these leaders. Just as one would laugh with a leader and laugh at a leader, we laugh with the moai and laugh at the moai.