Unveiling a New Singapore Resident: 2 metres tall, 1,950 kilograms from the "Navel of the World"
Singapore's newest resident is a famous and mysterious Moai sculpture of Easter Island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
The Moai sculpture is a gift from the Republic of Chile to the APEC Secretariat in Singapore that was officially presented by Chile's President, Ricardo Lagos, during his recent visit to Singapore.
Having now made its journey across the Pacific from Chile the Moai will be unveiled in Singapore on Monday before representatives of APEC Member Economies.
The unveiling will provide an interesting visual media opportunity showcasing the cross-cultural role of Singapore and APEC in building bridges across the Asia-Pacific.
Time: 4.30pm, Monday, 20 December 2004
Venue: APEC Secretariat, 35 Heng Mui Keng Terrace
Available for interview will be the Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat, Ambassador Mario Artaza (from Chile) and representatives of other APEC economies.
Most media outlets have file material of President Lagos' Visit to Singapore in April-May 2004.
Background to the Moai of Easter Island
Surrounded by mystery, Easter Island or "Te Pito O Henua" it's name in the local language, is a small island in the South Pacific Ocean about 3,760 kms off the coast of Chile, and a part of Chile since 1888. "Te Pito O Henua" literally means the "navel of the world". Its inhabitants also refer to the island as "Marakiterani", meaning the "eyes that look up to the sky" or "Rapa Nui" in modern times.
At the center of "the Mystery of Easter Island" are the "Moai", which translates as "images". Almost 1,000 of these gigantic volcanic stone statues have attracted numerous researchers attempting to gain insight into their origins and secrets. Why were they erected? Who do they represent? How were they moved? Towards what or where are they looking? Are Moai the legacy of a prehistoric civilization or, as some have philosophised, was there some extraterrestrial involvement?
The Moai that will stand in front of the APEC Secretariat building was sculpted in stone by artist Alejandro Pakarati, a native of Rapa Nui using the same techniques believed to have been used by his ancestors, and then freighted to Singapore.
Transportation of the Moai from Chile to Singapore was generously sponsored by Cia. Sudamericana de Vapores (CSAV) through arrangements by Mr. Ricardo Claro, President of the CSAV and Mrl. Alexander Tavra, Secretary General of the CSAV.