2017 LEGACY PHOTO COLLECTION BY WILLIAM MURPHY
![MAOI SCULPTURE IN CLONTARF [REPLICA OF ONE OF THE EASTER ISLAND STATUES]-244421-1](https://excellentstreetimages.com/SculptureInContext2022WordPress/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MAOI-SCULPTURE-IN-CLONTARF-REPLICA-OF-ONE-OF-THE-EASTER-ISLAND-STATUES-244421-1-1422x1067.jpg "MAOI SCULPTURE IN CLONTARF [REPLICA OF ONE OF THE EASTER ISLAND STATUES]-244421-1")
![MAOI SCULPTURE IN CLONTARF [REPLICA OF ONE OF THE EASTER ISLAND STATUES]-244422-1](https://excellentstreetimages.com/SculptureInContext2022WordPress/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MAOI-SCULPTURE-IN-CLONTARF-REPLICA-OF-ONE-OF-THE-EASTER-ISLAND-STATUES-244422-1-1422x1067.jpg "MAOI SCULPTURE IN CLONTARF [REPLICA OF ONE OF THE EASTER ISLAND STATUES]-244422-1")
![MAOI SCULPTURE IN CLONTARF [REPLICA OF ONE OF THE EASTER ISLAND STATUES]-244420-1](https://excellentstreetimages.com/SculptureInContext2022WordPress/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MAOI-SCULPTURE-IN-CLONTARF-REPLICA-OF-ONE-OF-THE-EASTER-ISLAND-STATUES-244420-1-1422x1067.jpg "MAOI SCULPTURE IN CLONTARF [REPLICA OF ONE OF THE EASTER ISLAND STATUES]-244420-1")
![MAOI SCULPTURE IN CLONTARF [REPLICA OF ONE OF THE EASTER ISLAND STATUES]-244418-1](https://excellentstreetimages.com/SculptureInContext2022WordPress/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MAOI-SCULPTURE-IN-CLONTARF-REPLICA-OF-ONE-OF-THE-EASTER-ISLAND-STATUES-244418-1-1422x1067.jpg "MAOI SCULPTURE IN CLONTARF [REPLICA OF ONE OF THE EASTER ISLAND STATUES]-244418-1")
![MAOI SCULPTURE IN CLONTARF [REPLICA OF ONE OF THE EASTER ISLAND STATUES]-244419-1](https://excellentstreetimages.com/SculptureInContext2022WordPress/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MAOI-SCULPTURE-IN-CLONTARF-REPLICA-OF-ONE-OF-THE-EASTER-ISLAND-STATUES-244419-1-1422x1067.jpg "MAOI SCULPTURE IN CLONTARF [REPLICA OF ONE OF THE EASTER ISLAND STATUES]-244419-1")
The “MAOI” sculpture in Clontarf is a replica of one of the iconic Moai statues found on Easter Island, a Chilean territory in the Pacific Ocean. It was presented to the City of Dublin by the Government of Chile in November 2004 as a symbol of friendship and cultural exchange between the two nations.
Meaning and Significance
Moai: The Moai are monolithic human figures carved by the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island between the 13th and 16th centuries. They represent ancestors and deities and were believed to possess spiritual power.
Symbolism: The gift of the Maoi to Dublin signifies a connection between two geographically distant cultures with a shared appreciation for heritage and artistry. It also serves as a reminder of Chile’s Polynesian heritage and its unique cultural identity.
Cultural Exchange: The presentation of the sculpture fostered cultural exchange and understanding between Ireland and Chile, promoting awareness of each other’s history and traditions.
The Sculpture
Replica: The Clontarf Maoi is a faithful replica of an original Easter Island head, carved from volcanic stone sourced from the island itself.
Artist: It was sculpted by Chilean artist Alejandro Pakarati, a member of the Rapa Nui community, ensuring authenticity in its creation.
Location: The sculpture is prominently positioned on the promenade at Clontarf, near Vernon Avenue, making it a recognisable landmark in the area.
https://streetphotos.gallery/Excellent_Picture_This_2017/TheMaoiSculptureInClontarf/index.html