Rapa Nui
Anthropomorphic Lizard Figure (Moai Moko)
Rapa Nui People, 1800-1832
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Rapa Nui
Anthropomorphic Lizard Figure (Moai Moko)
Rapa Nui People, 1800-1832
Physical Qualities
Wood, fish bone, 3 15/16 x 4 5/16 x 14 9/16 in. (10 x 11 x 37 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Alan Wurtzburger
Object Number
1955.251.187
Wooden sculpture resembles crouched or swimming figure bearing lizard mask with flattened snout, human nose and exaggerated eyes. The eyes have been inlaid with fish bone but the right inlay is missing. The wood appears finely polished. Easter Island deities maintain various identities or manifestations. The lizard is associated with fresh water and rain that provide life for humans.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 1955; Alan Wurtzburger
Wurtzburger Traveling
Oceanic Gallery Rotations 2021
Oceanic Gallery Rotations 2022
Oceanic Gallery Rotations 2023
Oceanic Wing Rotations 2025
Douglas F. Fraser & Paul S. Wingret, "The Wurtzburger Collection of Oceanic Art". Baltimore Museum of Art. 1956 pg. 39. cat no. 187.
Kevin Tervala, "Oceanic Art at The Baltimore Museum of Art," Tribal Arts Magazine 104 (Summer 2022): 106-113. Illustrated on pg. 112.
Kjellgren, Eric, JoAnne Van Tilburg, and Adrienne Lois Kaeppler. Splendid isolation: art of Easter Island. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2001.
Van Tilburg, JoAnne. Easter Island: Archaeology, Ecology, and Culture, 125-147. London: British Museum Press. 1994
Van Tilburg, JoAnne. Easter Island: Archaeology, Ecology, and Culture, 125-147. London: British Museum Press. 1994
On View at the BMA
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