MOAI KAVAKAVA WOODCARVING .
- Without a doubt, the kava kava moai is one of the most characteristic figures of rapa nui crafts.
Human-like figure, traditional name: moai kavakava, possibly made of Toromiro wood. Figures of this type were traditionally religious, but were later made for trade. Oversized head and ears. Relief carving on top of head. White shell? and obsidian? inlaid eyes. Prominent eyebrows carved in relief. Protruding ribcage with carved chevron designs depicting ribs extending around to the back and connecting to the backbone, which is also carved in relief. Very long thin arms.
The shape of these carvings is usually the same with minor variations: a skeletal male figure with a sunken belly and prominent ribs, which is precisely what the Rapanui word “Kava Kava” means. The trunk is long and the limbs short with small feet. The face is sharp, with thin cheeks and an aquiline profile and usually ends in a small beard. It has long, pointed ears and eyes that appear wide with a frightened expression and are made of bone and obsidian.
this kavakava moai, in particular. It has a height of 22 inches