Waterfront in Long Beach in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Easter Island Moai
Photographed by Craig Baker, October 5, 2020
1. Easter Island Moai Marker
This sculpture is called a Moai. It was carved on Rapa Nui (Easter Island) by native artist Iovani Teave on white rock called Maea Tea Tea. Moai translates to Aringa ora or "Living Face." The top knot is called a Pukao, carved of red scoria rock. This is a gift presented by the Rapa Nui people to the Aquarium of the Pacific on July 14, 2004.
This statue is a replica of the monolith, carved by the ancient Rapa Nui people, located on Ahu Nau in Anakena Beach where the first Rapa Nui King Hotu Matua landed. The original sculpture dates back to 1300-1400 AD. Statues with eyes were considered "living being," and they stood on a platform called Ahu to protect their villages. Moai represent predominant figures of the society - Master Carvers, Priests, or Chiefs. Once a Chief passed away, they erected a statue in his honor and placed the "eyes" so the Chief would continue watching over his people.
Erected 2004 by Aquarium of the Pacific.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Arts, Letters, Music • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 33° 45.664′ N, 118° 11.815′ W. Marker is in Long Beach, California, in Los
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Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: In Their Honor (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Evolution of a Skyline (approx. 0.2 miles away); Transpacific Yacht Race (approx. Ό mile away); 10th Anniversary (approx. Ό mile away); G.A.R. Civil War Monument (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Sovereign (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Blackstone (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Breakers (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Long Beach.
Photographed by Craig Baker, October 5, 2020
2. Easter Island Moai and Marker
courtesy Imaginarapanui.com
3. Moai on Easter Island
Credits. This page was last revised on March 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 16, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 523 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 16, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on March 17, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
