The customs, traditions and culture of Rapa Nui are very varied. For example, it is common in Rapa Nui to use the natural resources offered by the land and the sea, not only to feed themselves but also to elaborate beautiful artistic creations and wonderful costumes like the ones our models wear in the photo shoots we do for ANAKENA - Natural Cosmetics.
One of these incredible costumes is made from a type of limpet known on the island as “blue māma,” although its scientific name is Chiton tuberculatus Linnaeus 1758.
These mollusks, approximately 40 mm in size, live attached to rocks on the shore and under the surface of the sea, where they are collected by the Rapa Nui using knives or other sharp tools. To clean them, they must be placed in a pot with cold water, brought to a boil, and left until they boil. Once they have boiled, turn off the heat and leave them in the pot until they cool down. When they are cold, rinse them so that they lose the “shell” that covers them. Finally, wash the mollusks with detergent and dry them so that the “blue Māma” show their characteristic bright sky blue color and are ready to be used in the making of beautiful traditional costumes like the one worn in the photo by Ariana, our beautiful model.
