Let Sleeping Moai Lie

Nowadays there is something of a resurgence in indigenous nationalism, sparked ironically by Kevin Costner's all-too-forgettable 1994 flopbuster, Rapa Nui. Ancient customs and traditions like the local Tapati Rapa Nui (Festival) are being revived amongst the remaining populace with native connections. The February celebrations are a colourful highlight of any visit, mainly because they are the island's only cultural event.

My own Rapa Nui experience lasted a mere three days and as I strolled out to the waiting aircraft laden with little mini-moai souvenirs, I felt there was still more to explore. All the wanderings amongst the giant mute moai, the caves, the petroglyths and the long list of theories and postulations still manage to raise questions faster than I can find answers. To my mind, Easter Island should keep at least some of its secrets intact to intrigue and entice mystery-hunters and preserve its hard won enigmatic appeal. The lessons likely to be revealed by more energetic study will almost certainly add to the already unpalatable morals derived from self-worship and aggrandisement. Let sleeping moai lie, I say.