Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge collection record for Moai kavakava, Cambridge — 1931.341

Catalogue number: 1931.341

Description: Moai kavakava. A roughly carved, potentially unfinished figure of a man or woman. The head is large, and there is an exaggerated chest, with a projection at the centre. The eyes and eyebrows are carved in high relief.

Description: Place: Oceania; Polynesia; Rapa Nui [Easter Island]

Material: Wood

Classification: Moai kavakava

Description: Measurements: 83mm x 416mm x 105mm

Description: Source: Darwin, Maud (Lady) [donor]

Description: Catalogue event: Context (Analysis) Carved from light coloured wood. A male figure, not female (moai kavakava) Probably late nineteenth - early twentieth century. Condition: good- but with a recess from a knot in the wood. From notes by Rafal Wieczorek during a visit to MAA, 4/2/2014 Event Date 4/2/2014 Author: maa

Description: Catalogue event: Context (Acquisition Details) Given by Lady Martha 'Maud' Darwin (1861- 1947), an American socialite and widow of astronomer Sir George Howard Darwin (1945- 1912), Plumian professor of astronomy and experimental philosophy, Cambridge University. Event Date 13/1/2022 Author: rachel hand

Description: Catalogue event: Context (Amendments / updates) Moai tangata. Female figure carved from mirapūpū wood, lighter weight than the toromiro (Sophora toromiro). The base of the feet are flat suggesting it was not suspend from the house or used in ceremonies when it was hung around the body like a bandolier From knowledge shared by Rapanui archaeologist Enerike Ngaara Te Manu Carrasco Hotu on a visit to MAA, 13/05/2025 Event Date 13/5/2025 Author: Flo Sutton