In 2005, a well-respected local archaeologist, Sergio Rapu, carried out a number of experiments that he believed supported the moving of the upright figures but the full development of this theory is awaiting developments.
Why were they toppled?
From the observations of the seafarers and the notes from the early missionaries, it is clear that many were toppled during the clan wars that broke out as the population reached it’s peak. Captain Cook reported that some were toppled in 1774. Later reports, suggested that only a small number were left standing in 1838. It seems that part of defeating your enemy was destroying his manu. This is believed to be the most important reason why the statues were toppled.
The Birdman Cult
The Birdman cult is believed to have started about 1760, after the arrival of the first Europeans. Each clan would choose a representative to participate in this competition. In early September, when the Sooty Tern, a migratory sea bird that nested in the tiny islands, a mile off the coast opposite Orongo, the competition was prepared. The representative would each appoint a Hopu, who would swim to the furthest island of Motu Nui and here collect the first laid egg. The Hopu would first descend the thousand foot (30 meters) steep slope to the water and swim out to the island. Some accounts say that they used a reed raft. They were then faced a scramble up the side of the slippery rocks to retrieve a Sooty Tern egg and return with it to the ceremonial village of Orongo. Sometimes they had to huddle in caves to await the first laid eggs.
The return journey was through shark infested waters that were swept with fierce currents. Many of the Hopus didn’t make it back to the shore. The successful Hopu would hand the egg over to his sponsor who by now had shaved his head and painted it either red or white. The successful man was declared Tangata-Manu. According to legends, he was the one chosen by Meke Meke, their spiritual God. He would lead a possession back to either Anakena if he was from the western clan or Rano Raraku if he was from the eastern clan. He was declared tapu (taboo) and for the next five months lived in seclusion. He was given a new name, gifts, food and other tributes. His clan had the rights to collect wild birds eggs from Motu Nui for the next 12 months. He himself lived in seclusion in a special ceremonial house served only by his Hopu.
