Easter Island rebounds from wildfire that singed its statues

RAPA NUI, Chile — The hillside of Rano Raraku volcano on Rapa Nui feels like a place that froze in time. Embedded in grass and volcanic rock, almost 400 moai – the monolithic human figures carved centuries ago by this remote Pacific island’s Rapanui people -- remained untouched until recently. “Dancing is an expression and that expression is history.” Pakarati’s duties include helping administer Rapa Nui National Park; she was shaken by the damage to moai within the park’s boundaries. Atán, 36, joined the laughter as he began the day’s lesson: “Compare ancient civilizations with Rapa Nui.” “What about the moai? “It’s quite complicated, right?” Atán said he constantly tries to incorporate Rapanui culture into the curriculum guidelines designed by Chilean authorities.