2
In November 2018,/the delegation of the Rapa Nui people arrived in London/to look for Hoa Hakananai’a. They went immediately/to the British Museum. When they found him,/they were deeply moved. For them,/he represents the living soul of the island. They said,/“He is not just a rock;/he’s our brother.”
A member of the delegation explained,/“For the museum,/Hoa Hakananai’a is just an attraction. But for us,/he is one of our family. Once eyes are added to the statues,/they become the living embodiment/of our ancestors.” The moai have large empty eye sockets. According to legend,/when “eyes” made of bright stones and coral are inserted,/the moai come to life.
The leader of the delegation told the museum,/“Hoa Hakananai’a has been our ambassador to Great Britain/for 150 years. It’s time to let him come home. We will make a new moai/and send him to you.”
In November 2018,/the delegation of the Rapa Nui people arrived in London/to look for Hoa Hakananai’a. They went immediately/to the British Museum. When they found him,/they were deeply moved. For them,/he represents the living soul of the island. They said,/“He is not just a rock;/he’s our brother.”
A member of the delegation explained,/“For the museum,/Hoa Hakananai’a is just an attraction. But for us,/he is one of our family. Once eyes are added to the statues,/they become the living embodiment/of our ancestors.” The moai have large empty eye sockets. According to legend,/when “eyes” made of bright stones and coral are inserted,/the moai come to life.
The leader of the delegation told the museum,/“Hoa Hakananai’a has been our ambassador to Great Britain/for 150 years. It’s time to let him come home. We will make a new moai/and send him to you.”