Latest news with #Moai
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Mail
Archaeologists make surprising discovery at Easter Island - turning everything we know on its head
There's no doubt Easter Island is geographically one of the most isolated places on Earth. More than 2,000 miles off the coast of Chile, it was first settled by humans around AD 1200, who built its famous enlarged head statues. Historically, the original inhabitants, known as the Rapa Nui, were assumed to have long been completely shut off from the wider world. However, a new study by researchers in Sweden challenges this long-held narrative. They say the 63.2 sq mile island in the southern Pacific was not quite as isolated over the past 800 years as previously thought. In fact, the island was populated with multiple waves of new inhabitants who bravely traversed the Pacific Ocean from west to east. 'Easter Island was settled from central East Polynesia around AD 1200-1250,' study author Professor Paul Wallin at Uppsala University told MailOnline. 'The Polynesians were skilled sailors so double canoes were used.' Due to its remote location, Easter Island is traditionally assumed to have remained socially and culturally isolated from the wider Pacific world. This idea is reinforced by the fact that Easter Island's famous Moai statues, estimated to have been built between AD 1250 and 1500, are unique to the location. The huge human figures carved from volcanic rock were placed on rectangular stone platforms called 'ahu' – essentially tombs for the people that the statues represented. For their study, the team at Uppsala University compared archaeological data and radiocarbon dates from settlements, ritual spaces and monuments across Polynesia, the collection of more than 1,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean. Their results, published in the journal Antiquity, show that similar ritual practices and monumental structures have been observed across Polynesia. The experts point out that ahu stone platforms were historically constructed at Polynesian islands further to the west. These rectangular clearings were communal ritual spaces that, in some places, remain sacred to this day. 'The temple grounds ahu [also known as marae] exist on all East Polynesian islands,' Professor Wallin added. EASTER ISLAND TIMELINE 13th century: Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is settled by Polynesian seafarers. Construction on some parts of the island's monuments begins. Early 14th to mid-15th centuries: Rapid increase in construction 1600: The date that was long-thought to mark the decline of Easter Island culture. Construction was ongoing. 1770: Spanish seafarers landed on the island. The island is in good working order. 1722: Dutch seafarers land on the island for the first time. Monuments were in use for rituals and showed no evidence of societal decay. 1774: British explorer James Cook arrives on Rapa Nui His crew described an island in crisis, with overturned monuments. The team agree that an early population of people spread from the west of the Pacific to the east before encountering Easter Island and populating it around AD 1200. But they argue that Easter Island was populated several times by new seafarers – not just once by one group who remains isolated for centuries as previously assumed. 'The migration process from West Polynesian core areas such as Tonga and Samoa to East Polynesia is not disputed here,' they say in their paper. 'Still, the static west-to-east colonization and dispersal suggested for East Polynesia and the idea that Rapa Nui was only colonized once in the past and developed in isolation is challenged.' Based on their evidence, they also think ahu originated on Easter Island before the trend spread east to west across other western Polynesian islands during the period of AD 1300-1600. It was only after this that Polynesian islands – including but not limited to Easter Island – might have become isolated from each other. As hierarchical social structures developed independently – at Easter Island, Tahiti and Hawai'i for example – large, monumental structures were built to display power. Overall, the study indicates there were robust 'interaction networks' between Polynesian islands, which allowed the transfer of new ideas from east to west and back again. Ultimately, arrival of European explorers at Easter Island in the 18th century led to a rapid decline of the population, brought on by murder, bloody conflict and the brutal slave trade – although the population there may have already been weakening. Today, Easter Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with only a few thousand inhabitants. But it attracts large numbers of tourists, largely thanks to its monumental and world-famous stone statues that stare sternly out over the island. Tourism, which has grown exponentially on the island over the last 20 years, has come at a price, according to co-author Professor Helene Martinsson-Wallin. 'When I was there in the 1980s, the sandy beach was white and there were almost no people around,' she said. 'When I came back in the early 00s, I thought the sand looked blue, and when I looked closer I saw that it was due to tiny, tiny pieces of plastic washed up by the sea from every corner of the Earth.' WHAT ARE THE STATUES ON EASTER ISLAND AND WHAT DO THEY MEAN? What are the statues? The Moai are monolithic human figures carved by the Rapa Nui people on Easter Island, between 1,250 and 1,500 AD. All the figures have overly-large heads and are thought to be living faces of deified ancestors. The 887 statues gaze inland across the island with an average height of 13ft (four metres). Nobody really knows how the colossal stone statues that guard Easter Island were moved into position. Nor why during the decades following the island's discovery by Dutch explorers in 1722, each statue was systematically toppled, or how the population of Rapa Nui islanders was decimated. Shrouded in mystery, this tiny triangular landmass, stranded in the middle of the South Pacific and 1,289 miles from its nearest neighbour, has been the subject of endless books, articles and scientific theories. All but 53 of the Moai were carved from tuff , compressed volcanic ash, and around 100 wear red pukao of scoria. What do they mean? In 1979 archaeologists said the statues were designed to hold coral eyes. The figures are believed to be symbol of authority and power. They may have embodied former chiefs and were repositories of spirits or 'mana'. They are positioned so that ancient ancestors watch over the villages, while seven look out to sea to help travellers find land. But it is a mystery as to how the vast carved stones were transported into position. In their remote location off the coast of Chile, the ancient inhabitants of Easter Island were believed to have been wiped out by bloody warfare, as they fought over the island's dwindling resources. All they left behind were the iconic giant stone heads and an island littered with sharp triangles of volcanic glass, which some archaeologists have long believed were used as weapons.
India Today
25-06-2025
- Science
- India Today
7 Unsolved Mysteries of the Ancient World
7 Unsolved Mysteries of the Ancient World By : Kashmik Singh Chouhan From lost civilizations to unexplained monuments, these 7 ancient mysteries continue to baffle historians and archaeologists. How were the pyramids built with such precision? The methods remain a mystery despite numerous theories. 1. The Pyramids of Egypt The purpose of Stonehenge—whether an observatory or religious site—is still unknown. 2. Stonehenge Atlantis, a legendary civilization said to have sunk, has never been found, leaving its existence in question. 3. The Lost City of Atlantis How were the massive Moai statues transported across the island without modern tools? 4. Easter Island's Moai Statues Massive geoglyphs in Peru, visible only from the sky, remain unexplained in purpose and creation. 5. The Nazca Lines The origins and purpose of the Great Sphinx, with its lion body and human head, remain unclear. 6. The Sphinx of Giza The advanced Indus Valley civilization's writing system and sudden disappearance are still unsolved. 7. The Indus Valley Civilization These mysteries challenge us to explore further, keeping the secrets of ancient times alive.
The Hindu
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
under the hood of 5 cocktail dens in India
You might consider going all the way to JSan in Goa to get Chef Vishesh Jawarani's take on Japanese Izakaya (literally stay-drink-place), or to Crackle Kitchen in Bengaluru to explore omakase. But you cannot get into Chennai's MadCo. unless you pass the test, and likewise at Zorawar Kalra's Mamma Killa, Delhi's first Aztec-themed members-only bar. Chef-steered experiences and curated menus fundamental to the 2025 resto bar, as well as the small plates with drinks typical of Tokyo's Izakaya culture, have evolved unique bar themes and hospitality design. Aiming for visitors to slow down, mingle, and be indulged, from cosy 22-seaters to bustling 400-plus, designers fuse global and Indian trends for an audience desiring elevated experiences. Architect Ashiesh Shah elaborates, 'Bars today are experiential spaces. Five years ago, the focus may have been more on functionality and glamour; today, it's storytelling, mood-building, and emotional connection. They're no longer taboo but rather cultural venues. There's a shift towards creating bespoke, curated environments where design plays a central role in how the space feels, not just looks. It's also about inclusivity — welcoming different people into a space that respects craft, context, and community.' MOAI, Hyderabad Architect: Vikram Singh Minhas Spread across a sprawling 24,000 sq. ft. in Hyderabad's Financial District, MOAI is a 450-seater resto-bar designed by Vikram Singh Minhas to deliver dual experiences: refined fine dining by day and a high-energy bar by night. The theme, inspired by the boulders in the natural landscape of the region in the city's outskirts, draws from the monumental Moai statues of Easter Island, lending to the larger-than-life aura of the space. Catering to the rapidly growing hospitality scene in the neighbourhood, the design by Minhas is a 450-seater crowd pleaser. While the target audience is above the age of 21, people of all ages land up at MOAI, where carefully crafted culinary journeys and a vibrant ambience come together. Most of all, it's the return to nature that evocatively unfolds in the organic layout. Natural elements like quarry-cut stone walls, granite flooring, and a 150-foot-long glass facade connect guests to the lush outdoors, while a tranquil koi pond and inbuilt brick seating that allows natural airflow, evoke serenity — a response to post-pandemic cravings for open, breathable environments. Varied zones break down the vast space into intimate retreats. Discreet grey drop-down cylindrical lights focus on the food. Towering above are Moai sculpture heads, some up to 15 feet. Made of FRP by local artist Ranga, they mimic stone faithfully — right to the sumptuous textures and hues — creating visual drama. Minhas attributes the main factors contributing to the evolving space of fine dining and drinks as the desire for immersive experiences. And both clients and the audience are willing to pay for it. Clients have also become more exploratory, which gives designers a free rein to experiment. Further, the typical visitor today is a global traveller, and they come with a wider sense of appreciation for extravagant detailing. As Minhas puts it, 'Most people come in and remark — I don't feel like I'm in Hyderabad.' This is the very spirit behind the drink and dine destination — to be transported elsewhere. MADCo., Chennai Madras Cocktail Company, popularly known as 'MadCo.', opened last year with the idea of a speakeasy bar with restricted access. Managing Partner Santhosh Zachariah Abraham wanted to disrupt the stodgy image of Chennai with a convivial watering hole where young and old can come together for a fine dining and drinking experience. The afternoon I meet Zachariah, he is enthusiastically planning a Singles Social Mixer for ages 27 to 40, something he says no one in Chennai has ever done. 'This is a community space, not a commercial bar.' Zachariah's 15 years at Bacardi inspired him to create a cosy hang-out for regulars fastidious about the quality and balance of their drinks. A carefully curated group of well-travelled folks with discerning taste, a yen for experimental cocktails and artful menus make MadCo. what it is — a premium and exclusive cocktail bar. Zachariah credits his Founding Partner RVS Kiran for the once-neglected space transformed into a lively hub. The 1,000 sq. ft. space is a cleverly refurbished ground floor with an obscure entrance. The wow factor is a dimmable 'starry sky' made of thousands of fairy lights set into wooden tubes of varying heights that effortlessly conceal unbecoming beams. Mirror and glass vie with sensibly tiled floors to make a splash. The corner bar has a fluted wood front and a countertop of concrete and epoxy that can take any spill. The experience of mixology is core to the design. Under a shiny curved ceiling, a vacuum-sealed pouch with fruit and spices simmer in a sous vide process for a banana oleo-saccharum (a syrup extract) for MadCo.'s custom cocktails. Copper-clad table tops marry chairs covered with svelte pale yellows, duns and leaf green lending to a smart and functional dining space, with cosy tables and chairs for two, benches across couch-seaters paired for four, and bar-style high-chair set-ups for six. Touch lamps complete the intimate feel at tables. Designed for 65, the bar can take up to 75. MadCo. stands as a bold, nuanced reminder of the curious mix of old Madras and modern Chennai — in spirit, taste, and style. Ru, Hyderabad Architect: The Linespace Studio When The Linespace Studio was commissioned to design a resto-bar for up to 300 in Jubilee Hills, architects Mithul Sanghi and Disha Bhansali embraced an approach that honoured the awe-inspiring natural landscape. 'In our firm, we believe each project should be true to its intent,' Sanghi explains. At Ru — an extract of the word 'ruin' — that intent became an architectural homage to the site's rugged boulders, evocative of how monuments age. Spanning 14,000 sq. ft., Ru draws inspiration from the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi, which finds beauty in imperfections. Designed across five levels, the structure wraps around the existing rock formations, with the lower three levels discreetly housing service areas. At the pinnacle — 50 feet above ground — guests experience panoramic views of the adjacent government park from both indoor and semi-outdoor seating areas. Material choices reinforce the narrative of natural ageing: sustainable fly-ash bricks and lime plaster lend the façade a distressed, earthy character, further accentuated by wood-slat windows and the lattice-style wooden door. The interplay of light and shadow is central to the spatial experience, with interiors by Essajees Atelier complementing the architectural language through custom bamboo lighting that casts a warm, organic glow. Departing from the earlier low-light environs of bars, the designers envisioned an inviting, light-filled environment with the bar on the fourth floor evoking a woodsy Zen aesthetic. While the client initially sought a Goa beach shack vibe, the concept evolved into a refined, minimalist Indo-Japanese blend that seamlessly connects inside and outside, embracing the rockface and lush landscaping, a testament to the ancient and the future. One8 Commune, Noida Architect: Sanjana Singh With the shout-out 'Noida is officially Kohlified!' on Instagram, one8 Commune Noida officially opened its doors in November 2024. Part of the growing chain of resto-bars by Virat Kohli, it's named after his jersey number and built around the ethos of 'artful living, soulful dining'. This outpost designed by Saaz Designs Studio continues the brand's narrative of community and inclusivity — welcoming families, couples, and corporate diners alike for shared experiences of leisurely fine dining. Spread across 5,817 with seating for 165, the venue draws on the relaxed sophistication of Mexican Tulum lounges and global cafés. The bohemian chic aesthetic comes alive in an eclectic yet elegant blend of wood, rattan, and linen in warm, earthy tones. Layered lighting — from sculptural pendants to intimate spotlights — enhances the ambience across the venue's zoned layout: a central dining area, vibrant bar and lounge, alfresco patio, and private dining room. Speaking on the broader evolution of resto-bars, Sanjana Singh, founder and principal architect at Saaz, notes: 'Open bar concepts, curated bottle displays, and immersive mixology stations are now focal points celebrating the craft. Evolving norms around drinking have enabled architects to design spaces that foster openness, interaction, and elevated leisure without stigma.' This shift informs Singh's creative approach to lighting and spatial design — emphasizing transparency, mood-setting, and visual storytelling. The bar isn't tucked away; it's lit to invite curiosity. Pendant lamps become art. A mosaic on the floor spells out 'Communing', echoing Kohli's vision for food and drink as immersive, thematic experiences — where ambience is as much a part of the menu as the cuisine or cocktails. Paradox, Mumbai Designer: Ashiesh Shah Commissioned by restaurateur Aditya Dugar, Bar Paradox in Mumbai's Shakti Mills unfolds as a multi-layered narrative across a compact 2,500 sq. ft. vertically-defined space across two levels. In a city beloved for cinema, designer Ashiesh Shah has visualised a space of drama, right from the narrow entrance door that surprises you with a double-height volume 'like stepping into an old elevator'. Dugar's brief to create an immersive experience, more than just a bar, which spoke with nostalgia to reflect both memory and modernity sparked it off. Shah elaborates, 'He wanted a space that felt intimate yet cinematic, luxurious but not loud — a place that celebrated craft, storytelling, and personal history. It wasn't just about designing a bar, it was about creating a narrative that people could walk into.' Paradox plays with contrasts — old and new, nostalgic and contemporary, intimate and dramatic. Spatial treatments for zones — the vitrines, the mezzanine, the formal dining room and the fumoir (salon) — unfold as distinct narratives. Shah navigates the challenges of low ceilings, awkward beams and low light, turning them into opportunities. 'You're constantly discovering whether it's a Chamba Rumal (a form of embroidery), a Dhokra fish in the bathroom, or a bar that feels like a tent on a midnight safari.' Collaborating closely with Peter d'Ascoli, a common love for textiles and storytelling came to fruition in the Fumoir, as Shah describes, 'something that felt both royal and secretive'. The bar on the upper level has a counter of black marble with brass inlay and the front face finished in walnut burl. A levitating Dhokra egg sculpture suspended in the double-height volume acts as a spiritual and visual anchor, capturing the soul of the space. 2024-25's winning features Embracing nature and bringing inside and outside closer Warm and light-filled over dark shady interiors Minimalist yet unique experiential themes merging global and Indian Large bars that welcome family and community settings Exclusive club-style bars for regulars creating known community
International Business Times
14-05-2025
- International Business Times
Barry Billcliff on Living Life Amidst Controversies
Barry Billcliff is no stranger to the limelight. Controversies and remarkable challenges have marked his journey from an early entrepreneur to a thrill-seeking adventurer. Yet he has overcome them, started fresh, and achieved his personal and career goals. A Life of Audacious Adventures People know Barry Billcliff for his unconventional and often daring stunts, which draw admiration and criticism. His adventures include scaling the Great Pyramid of Giza, exploring Windsor Castle, visiting the Moai statues on Easter Island, and rearranging skulls in a Parisian crypt. These global escapades highlight his fearless nature and pursuit of unique experiences. Barry Billcliff believes such adventures offer valuable insights that can change or enhance people's understanding of the world despite dangers and criticism. "I have faced many near-death experiences with all the adventures I took, yet the discovery that comes after makes everything worth it," Billcliff states. Facing Legal Battles and Public Scrutiny Due to his daring exploits, Billcliff's adventurous spirit has often brought consequences, including encounters with legal authorities and public misconceptions. For instance, the Los Angeles Police Department chased him after making a scene at the Hollywood sign. They even used drones to catch him. In addition, Barry Billcliff's adventure at the Great Pyramid of Giza turned dangerous when inspectors arrived and intended to arrest him for his climb. However, thanks to the quick thinking of his tour guide who also happened to be military personnel they created enough doubt in the inspectors' minds to delay their action. However, Barry Billcliff's most complex legal battle happened beyond the context of his adventures. He faced a high-profile case from 2005 involving antique currency worth up to $125,000. Billcliff and three others Timothy Crebase, Kevin Kozak, and Matt Ingham were charged with stealing the cache of old currency while working on a roofing job. After investigating, the district court dismissed all charges against the four men, citing insufficient evidence. The authorities did not establish probable cause, and though the Essex district attorney's office initially held the currency, the Essex district attorney's office eventually returned it to Barry Billcliff. Interestingly, the money has never resurfaced in the marketplace since its return, adding an element of mystery to this resolved case. Additionally, Barry Billcliff faced a legal battle related to Merrimack Valley Roofing. In 2023, a federal administrative law judge deemed Barry Billcliff personally responsible for over $150,000 in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fines and attorneys' fees related to fall protection violations. However, later evidence proved it was only a retribution case stemming from an argument between Barry Billcliff and OSHA agent Brett Buzzle. Billcliff was proved to have no ownership interest at the time of the fine, and the appellate court overturned the ruling. Resilience and Starting Anew Despite these controversies, Barry Billcliff remains resilient and true to himself. He understands that life is a blend of highs and lows, successes and hard work, and he embraces each experience as a vital part of his growth. This recognition shapes his character and drives him to achieve his goals in his adventurous lifestyle and business ventures. With these life lessons, he has developed a robust portfolio comprising 16 business ventures he has created, acquired, or initiated. Among his most successful endeavors is The Bear Cave, recognized as New England's most extensive bar by selection. In addition to his business ventures, Barry Billcliff has become a certified pilot and has associations with motorcycle and off-road clubs. These new roles became his new avenues for creativity and adventure. He has also deepened his purpose for adventure by integrating research as his primary reason. This certifies that every new location for adventure and the dangers and risks with every location are worth it and can positively impact society. Barry Billcliff says, "Challenges and unexpected concerns are all part of life. This is why I live every day to the best of my abilities. From working on construction during the day, exercising in the afternoon, or traveling in between, I strive to focus on the positive avenues." Billcliff's Secret to Success Barry Billcliff's story involves legal challenges, public scrutiny, and personal setbacks, yet he remains undeterred. His life highlights that success is not a straight path but a journey filled with ups and downs. Whether piloting a plane, managing his diverse business portfolio, or starting on his next great adventure, Barry Billcliff lives life to the fullest. His experiences have taught him not to give up but to continue, even starting anew when necessary. This mindset, combined with hard work and determination, makes anything possible for him.
NDTV
05-05-2025
- NDTV
7 Of The World's Most Remote Islands You Can Actually Visit
If your idea of a dream getaway involves patchy Wi-Fi, no crowds, and endless sea views, then these remote islands might be exactly what you're after. Far from the tourist trail (and often, any trail at all), these places take the idea of "getting away from it all" to the next level. Whether you're into volcanic landscapes, penguin spotting, or just want to be somewhere that barely registers on Google Maps, here are seven of the most remote islands on the planet that you can actually reach — if you're up for the challenge. Here Are 7 Most Remote Islands In The World: 1. Pitcairn Island, Pacific Ocean This speck of land is known for its mutinous past-descendants of the HMS Bounty crew still live here, along with fewer than 50 other residents. The nearest airstrip is over 500 km away on Mangareva (French Polynesia), and you'll need to hop on a 32-hour boat ride from there to get to Pitcairn. Tourists are welcome, but it's all very DIY: Think homestays, home-cooked meals, and possibly a ride in the island's only quad bike taxi. 2. Tristan da Cunha, South Atlantic Ocean Welcome to the world's most isolated inhabited island. Tristan da Cunha is a tiny volcanic spit in the South Atlantic, located roughly 2,400 km from the nearest land (South Africa) and home to just over 200 people. It's part of a British Overseas Territory and only accessible by boat — a seven-day trip from Cape Town. There's no airport, no hotel chains, and definitely no Starbucks. What you will find: wild coastal cliffs, rare seabirds, and locals who bake a mean loaf of home-baked bread. 3. Bouvet Island, South Atlantic Ocean Not for the casual holidaymaker, Bouvet Island is a Norwegian dependency that's almost entirely covered by glaciers and surrounded by ice. It's also uninhabited, which makes sense given that it's one of the most isolated islands on Earth to reach. Located between South Africa and Antarctica, even scientists rarely get to visit. You'll need a research permit, a solid reason, and a stomach strong enough for wild Antarctic swells. 4. Easter Island, Chile OK, it's technically got an airport and daily flights, but Easter Island (or Rapa Nui) is still one of the most remote places you can fly to. Sitting 3,500 km west of mainland Chile, it's best known for its massive stone statues called Moai. But there's more here than just mysterious heads — think volcanic craters, white sand beaches, and one of the most fascinating Polynesian cultures you'll ever come across. 5. Kerguelen Islands, Southern Indian Ocean Dubbed the "Desolation Islands," this French territory is as bleak as it is fascinating. Located about 3,300 km from Madagascar, it has no permanent population, only scientists and support staff rotating in and out. There's no airport, so the only way in is via a supply ship that runs a few times a year. It's windy, wild, and feels like the edge of the world-because it basically is. 6. Macquarie Island, Australia Smack between Tasmania and Antarctica, Macquarie is a wildlife haven that plays host to thousands of penguins and seals. Managed by the Australian Antarctic Division, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and not open for casual tourism. That said, you can visit on specific expedition cruises if you book early (and have a decent tolerance for sub-zero windchill). 7. Socotra, Yemen Socotra looks like it belongs on another planet. Known for its otherworldly dragon's blood trees and surreal landscapes, it's located in the Arabian Sea, about 380 km south of mainland Yemen. Political instability made it off-limits for years, but in recent times, adventure travellers have been trickling back in via chartered flights from the UAE. Just don't expect resort comforts-this one's for seasoned backpackers and nature lovers.
