Makemake and the Birdman Cult
Makemake, the supreme creator god of Rapa Nui, shaped the world and gave life to the island. He created the birds, the fish, and the people, then withdrew to watch over them from the heavens. As Rapa Nui's society evolved, Makemake became associated with the Tangata Manu (Birdman) cult centered at the ceremonial village of Orongo. Each year, representatives of competing clans would descend the sheer cliffs, swim across shark-infested waters to the islet of Motu Nui, and retrieve the first Manutara (sooty tern) egg of the season. The successful competitor became the Tangata Manu, the Birdman of