The moai can be repaired by archaeologists, but it is expensive and some of the statues are in serious condition.
In October 2022, a devastating fire erupted at the Rano Raraku Volcano Crater Quarry on Easter Island. Flames damaged about 350 archaeological artifacts, including 22 moai they were in serious condition UNESCO reported in a recent report.
This detailed analysis demonstrated the severity of the fire months after it broke out and alerted local officials looking for remediation options. Easter Island Mayor Pedro Edmunds said: Country “The damage is far beyond our imagination,” he said.
Of the 350 archaeological objects affected, 222 corresponded to statues, 22 of which had damage that was very difficult to repair. Moreover, it would hamper the future preservation of these iconic structures on the island.
The fault lies not only in intervention, but also in repair costs. Archaeologists need tools and materials that need to be imported from abroad .
“The material is not very expensive, but there are customs duties,” Daniela Meza, an archaeologist and curator for the Mau Henua Indigenous Community, told the aforementioned media.
Fire isn’t the only thing that makes moai ‘dangerous’
In addition to the fire, archaeologists also point out that weather conditions and adverse weather conditions were already affecting the statue.meza says so There are 15 unburned moai, but they are endangered due to deterioration.
“There are about 15 people. They are not burned, but they are more serious. they are virtually falling apart . Once I get permission for the monument, I’m going to regain my strength to keep standing,” he explained.
“Weather, rain and wind are degrading them. If nothing is done, it will disappear in 100 years. Mayor Edmunds added.
On the other hand, Claudia Uribe, representative of Chile at UNESCO, explained: Waterproofing and stone gluing techniques must be introduced to preserve the moai. that make up the statue. You need funds for that.
“The challenge facing us today is to raise funds to start a conservation plan,” Edmunds completed.
UNESCO is currently soliciting a $97,000 annual budget for a project on the fires, funded by its own Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF).
Source: Biobiochile
