The British Museum is grappling with a wave of social media activism from Chile as users flood its Instagram, calling for the repatriation of a moai statue from Easter Island. The Guardian reported.
The museum houses two moai extracted from Rapa Nui in 1868, which generated persistent demands for their return to Chilean territory. The campaign by Chilean influencer Mike Milfort initially caused the closure of comments on the museum's Instagram, drawing attention to the issue worldwide.
Despite criticism and concerns from Rapa Nui Mayor Pedro Edmunds Pao, the campaign reached Chilean President Gabriel Boric, showing the growing momentum.
The British Museum responded to the trolling by disabling comments on some posts, citing safeguarding considerations. Mayor Pedro Edmunds Pao emphasizes the cultural importance of the Hoa Hakananai'a, urging the recognition and return of the statue as a symbol of peace.
Rapa Nui, located 2,300 miles west of mainland Chile, has a unique Polynesian identity and desires greater autonomy from Chile. The island, home to more than 1,000 moai statues, issued a request for the return of the two moai in 2018. While a reciprocal visit occurred, a subsequent letter to King Charles from the council of elders requesting their return remains unanswered.
Mayor Edmunds Pao emphasizes the need to establish Hoa Hakananai'a's rightful ownership, proposing that he could serve as Rapa Nui's ambassador if he returns.
The controversy highlights the complex intersection between cultural heritage, international relations and social media activism, forcing institutions like the British Museum to navigate demands for repatriation in the digital age.
