Rapa Nui Easter Island [Obsidian]

Authentic Obsidian from Rapa Nui Easter Island

This specimen is genuine obsidian from Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, Chile. Easter Island is one of the most remote islands in the world and is famous for its over 900 Moai monolithic human figure stone statues.

The Moai People and Their Statues

Most of the intrigue about the Moai people and the Rapa Nui statues revolves around their creation. These large statues, sculpted from volcanic tuff, were created between 1250 and 1500 CE. The statues are distinguished by their oversized heads, constituting about three-eighths of their total height. The minimalist design of the Moai mirrors artistic styles found throughout Polynesia. Most of these statues were carved at the Rano Raraku quarry and then moved to various locations around the island, showcasing the Rapa Nui people’s ingenuity and resourcefulness.

Geological Composition of Rapa Nui

The geology of Rapa Nui includes various volcanic rocks such as tuff, basalt, and scoria. This obsidian specimen is a remarkable example of the island's unique geological history. Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass and is commonly found in the eroded lava fields of Easter Island.

Maori Use of Obsidian

The Maori people of New Zealand extensively utilized obsidian. They fashioned it into sharp flake tools for cutting and scraping, drill points for making items like fish hooks, and even small points. It was a valuable trade item across the country due to its practicality and worth.

Specimen Details

• Size of specimen: 30mm X 23mm X 15mm
• What's Included: Certificate of Authenticity, perky display case, tag, tag stand, and information. Photo cube not included.
• Authenticity: This specimen was obtained through a scientific trade of materials with a scientific institution in South America.

A Valuable Addition to Your Geological Collection

This obsidian specimen from Rapa Nui is a fantastic addition to any geological collection. Its unique origin and geological significance make it a visually and scientifically engaging specimen.

This scientific material is Guaranteed Authentic. It was professionally and legally collected and arrives with a Certificate of Authenticity.