 |
  |
The Church of the Holy Cross is one of the landmarks in the village, and is clearly visible in its position at the head of Te Pito o Te Henua street. Remodeled in the 1990s, it is today a far cry from its original humble beginnings. A new façade boasts Rapanui designs interspersed with motifs from Christianity, murals, stone statues, and other embellishments.
Formerly decorated with plaster saints, the church interior now contains some outstanding carved wooden figures made by Rapanui artists. These began appearing in the 1970s when it was decided that the islanders should make their own statues instead of using plaster images of saints. The first one carved was the amazing Maria, Madre de Rapa Nui, shown with her infant. She was created by a group of artists working together. She has the general proportions of the ancient statues, with an oversized head. She has a bird crown and her robes resemble bird wings.
In 1978, the Sagrado Corazon was carved by Benedicto Tuki Tepano. His robe is decorated by supernatural Rapanui symbols and he wears a bird-shaped crown. Following in 1980 was a carving of the Archangel Michael and the Dragon, by Juan Haoa, and about this same time, two crucifixes were created: the one above the altar has a seabird, as the holy spirit, flying down on Christ's head. The crucifix outside the church was carved by Juan Teave (Chavez). St Francis of Assisi was carved by Anselmo Tuki, a brother of Benedicto. The statue holds a small bird in one hand. The Espiritu Sanctu was made by Juan Haoa, whose dream it was to fill the church with Rapanui santos. This amazing figure is based on the form of a frigate bird. Other carvings have been added over the years, including the Holy Family by Leonardo Pakarati, and the most recent is a reliquary made in (and imported from) the Marquesas. The carvings are beautifully made and lovingly finished. Regardless of religious affiliation, be sure to visit the church.
Content © 2006 Easter Island Foundation All rights reserved. Update: 04/26/06