Gaze upon this imposing figure. This is the Tête de Moai a remarkable replica of an Easter Island statue. It stands as a silent sentinel a testament to a rich history and a powerful message of cultural preservation.
The Tête de Moai is no ordinary sculpture. It is a meticulously crafted copy cast from a mold of an original Moai head. This original head a colossal 2.5 meters tall was tragically severed from its body during a 1960 tsunami. It hails from Rapa Nui Easter Island a volcanic island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. The island is renowned for its iconic Moai statues some towering up to ten meters.
In 1968 a threat loomed over Easter Island’s unique archaeological site. A planned runway construction threatened to irrevocably damage the ancient sculptures. The International Fund for Monuments sprang into action. They placed an original Moai head in front of New York City’s Seagram Building. This bold move aimed to raise global awareness. The public outcry was successful. The construction project was canceled.
This successful campaign led to a unique opportunity. Lippincott Inc an American company specializing in large-scale public sculptures secured a contract with Chilean authorities. They were given permission to create up to 100 replicas of the Moai head. While they ultimately produced only 11 this Tête de Moai in Montreal is one of them.
Our Tête de Moai arrived in Montreal in 1970. It was part of the “Strange Strange World” pavilion at Man and His World an exposition held at Parc Jean-Drapeau. The City of Montreal acquired it in 1973. It even made a special appearance in 2010 at Pointe-à-Callière Montreal Archaeology and History Complex. This was part of an exhibition showcasing the history and culture of Rapa Nui.
This concrete Moai head stands here as more than just a sculpture. It is a symbol. It stands for the power of international collaboration in preserving cultural heritage. It serves as a potent reminder of the fragility of history and the importance of safeguarding our shared past. So take a moment to appreciate this extraordinary piece of history right here in Montreal. Let the Tête de Moai inspire you. Let it remind you of the power of preservation.