The Moai of Hamburg

Angelito is among the most important symbols of the historical ties between the port city and Chile

A moss-covered Angelito, with St. Michael’s Church in the background [All the photographs are owned by the author. Not to be used without permission]

It’s my dream destination and a long-term target to have a first-hand experience of the giant stone monolithic human figures carved in one of the most remote locations. If I had an opportunity to be a short-term resident of Chile, a trip to Rapa Nui or Easter Island, wouldn’t be a dream.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Before one contemplates undertaking a trip from mainland Europe to this remote island in the Pacific Ocean, a combination of factors, including a lot of planning, a bit of luck, and a significant amount of expendable income, is required. Until that materializes, looking at Moai sculptures in museums is possibly the only way to keep the hopes of getting to the bucket list destination alive.

Is it?

Not quite. I have stumbled upon something in the heart of Europe, in one of my favorite cities. It is a replica of an ancient sculpture from Easter Island that is also one of the most important symbols of the historic ties between a city that was an important member of the erstwhile Hanseatic League, a maritime organisation that once dominated trade in northern Europe, and a relatively remote South American country.