Birdman cult annual egg hunt ritual on Easter Island. Sacred site of Birdman cult was a rango - narrow ridge with 1000 ft drop into ocean on one side and deep crater on other Main ritual was annual egg hunt where contestants were important men on the island Men appointed one or two hoppu (men of letters status) who swam to Motu Nui island to retrieve egg

The Birdman cult sent champions annually to retrieve seabird eggs from Motu Nui. Many died swimming. The winner became Tangata Manu and got a year off! Chief god was Makemake. Sacred site was Orongo - a narrow ridge with 1000 ft drop into ocean on one side and Rano Kau crater on the other. Main ritual was annual egg hunt where contestants were important men on the island. Men appointed one or two hopu (servants) who swam to Motu Nui island to retrieve egg. Contestants waited at stone village of Orongo while hopu made dangerous journey. Many died drowning, falling off cliffs, or eaten by sharks.

Key Facts

  • Sacred site of Birdman cult was a rango - narrow ridge with 1000 ft drop into ocean on one side and deep crater on other
  • Main ritual was annual egg hunt where contestants were important men on the island
  • Men appointed one or two hoppu (men of letters status) who swam to Motu Nui island to retrieve egg
  • Contestants waited at stone village of Orango while hoppu made dangerous journey
  • Many died drowning, falling off cliffs, or eaten by sharks
  • Successful finder went to highest point on Matu Noui and called to shore announcing victory
  • Successful eggfinder fasted alone on Matu Noui before swimming back with egg in reed basket tied to head
  • Then climbed steep cliff to present egg to winning contestant with shaved head (painted white or red)
  • That contestant became Tangata Manu—got (Birdman) and was given year off - only eating and sleeping
  • Chief god of birdman cult was Makemake
  • Other deities: male god chief of eggs (Vhoa) and female god Vikinatia
  • Religion suppressed by Christian missionaries in 1860s
  • Origins of Birdman cult remain unknown - whether it coexisted with Moai religion or suppressed it, or if it originated elsewhere

Related site: Easter Island — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.

Source: Easter Island Moai Statues: WHAT is Carved on the BACK? by Ancient Architects