Polynesia: Easter Island
Rapauni people  

Wood, stain, shell
19th century
Height: 14 in; Width: 2.75 in
Other – Ritual Symbolism

The mo‘ai kavakava is one of the most characteristic wooden figures originated by the Rapa Nui culture of Easter Island. Formerly they were carved in toromiro wood, an almost extinct tree today, but other types of wood are currently used.  Each figure resembles a standing, slightly stooped, male human with an emaciated body.

This Rapanui figure is hand carved from dark stained wood with intricately incised facial features.  It is considered a representative ancestor spirit that has protruding ribs and vertebrae, slender arms resting on the hips, an elongated face with shell eyes, an  arrow shaped noise and pointed chin.  The top of the head has a figure carved in low relief that is just above the prominent eyebrow ridge.  The chin has a goatee-like beard and both ears have extended earlobes

The name mo‘ai kavakava is formed from mo‘ai  for the monumental monolithic human figures found on Easter Island and the word kavakava meaning ribs. Little is known about the cultural context of these figures although they are generally considered to be representations of starving ancestors or demons.