View of Motu Nui, Location of Birdman Cult Races on Rapa Nui - stock photo

The view from the cliff of Orongo of the small island of Motu Nui, with the even smaller Motu Iti in front and the isolated sea stack of Motu Kau Kau closest to shore. Contestants in the Birdman Cult races would swim to Motu Nui where they would await the seasonal arrival of the terns. The sponsor of the contestant who returned with the first egg would be declared tangata-manu, and for the next year would be awarded gifts of food and other tributes, while living in seclusion.