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Easter Island: Early Witnesses
William Thomson
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intended to represent the god "Meke-Meke," the great spirit of the sea (Fig. 8). The general outline of this figure rudely carved upon the
FIG.8.
SCULPTURED FIGURES OFTEN REPRODUCED ON ROCKS AT ORONGO: "MEKE-MEKE."
rocks, bore a striking resemblance to the decoration on a piece of pottery which I once dug up in Peru, while making excavations among the graves of the Incas. The form is nearly identical, but, except in this instance, no similarity was discovered between the relics of Easter Island and the coast of South America.
ANCIENT CUSTOMS IN RELATION TO GATHERING THE SEA-BIRDS EGGS.
From the most reliable information that could be obtained, the stone houses at Orongo were built for the accommodation of the natives while celebrating the festival of the "sea-birds eggs," from a remote period until the advent of the most important ceremonies.
During the winter months, sea-birds in great numbers visit the Island to lay their eggs and to bring forth their young. The nests are made among the ledges and cliffs of the inaccessible rocks, but a favorite spot for these birds has always been the tiny islands Mutu RauKau and Mutu Nui, lying a few hundred yards from the southwest point of the island (Plate XXIV). Here the first eggs of the season are laid, and therefore Orongo was selected as a convenient point to watch for the coming of the birds. According to the ancient custom, the fortunate individual who obtained possession of the first egg and returned with it unbroken to the expectant crowd, became entitled to certain privileges and rights during the following year. No especial authority was
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