14. Rapa Nui Wooden Figures
The British Museum’s collection includes several carved wooden statues from Rapa Nui (Easter Island), such as the moai kavakava and the deity figure from Rarotonga. These artifacts were removed during the 19th century under colonial authority and have been subjects of cultural and diplomatic debate. The Rapa Nui people consider these figures sacred, representing their ancestors and spiritual beliefs. In 2018, the governor of Easter Island appealed to the British Museum for the return of the moai statue Hoa Hakananai’a, emphasizing its profound cultural significance. The British Museum has engaged in discussions with Rapa Nui representatives, acknowledging the importance of these artifacts to the islanders’ heritage (theguardian.com).
