Ika Miro

Abstract

Reimiro en forma de pez. El reimiro corresponde a una decoración pectoral usada como símbolo de poder por los ariki en ceremonias y festividades. Representa la fase lunar creciente, favorable para el cultivo y otras actividades. También sería un símbolo de fertilidad.

Reimiro in the form of a fish. Pectoral decoration used as a symbol of power by the ariki in ceremonies and festivities. It represents the crescent moon phase, favorable for cultivation and other activities. It would also be a symbol of fertility. The crescent shape is repeated with variations at its ends, apparently depending on use. They are preserved with the ends of chicken heads, stylized conch shells, in the shape of a fish and with human faces on both sides. The latter is the central figure of the current Rapa Nui flag. The first of these flags was commissioned by the Bishop of Tahiti in 1888, to represent the Rapanui people at the inauguration ceremony by the State of Chile. (Oñate, 2017. Arte Rapa Nui: catálogo de artesanía tradicional)