A magnificent Moai statue has been permanently installed at the Valley of Saints in Carnoët, Brittany, marking the culmination of an eight-year partnership between the French region and Easter Island (Rapa Nui). The granite giant, featuring striking marble eyes and named Mana Tapu Ao, was officially unveiled on Friday in an emotional ceremony attended by numerous visitors and a delegation from Rapa Nui.
The installation represents a significant cultural exchange that began eight years ago when Brittany and Easter Island established their unique partnership. This collaboration has brought together two distant regions sharing common Celtic and Polynesian heritage, creating a bridge between cultures separated by thousands of miles of ocean.
The Moai statue, carved from granite and adorned with distinctive marble eyes, stands as a powerful symbol of this international friendship. Named Mana Tapu Ao, which carries deep spiritual significance in Polynesian culture, the statue will serve as a permanent guardian at the entrance to the Valley of Saints, watching over visitors and the sacred site for eternity.
Before taking its final position, the statue completed a ceremonial tour throughout Brittany, allowing communities across the region to witness this remarkable cultural artifact. The tour served to strengthen the connection between Breton communities and their Polynesian partners, celebrating the shared values of spirituality, heritage preservation, and cultural identity.
Friday's inauguration ceremony was described as deeply moving and filled with fraternal spirit, reflecting the strong bonds forged between the two cultures. The presence of a Rapa Nui delegation added authenticity and emotional weight to the occasion, demonstrating the genuine partnership that has developed over the past eight years.
The Valley of Saints, located in Carnoët in the Côtes-d'Armor department, serves as an outdoor sculpture park dedicated to Breton saints and Celtic heritage. The addition of the Moai statue expands this cultural landscape, creating a unique fusion of Celtic and Polynesian spiritual traditions that will inspire visitors for generations to come.
