The Great Statue of Orange Island

The mysterious Great Statue of Orange Island is probably the most famous landmark in the Hartvin Islands. Its exact age is unknown, and even the earliest records from explorers in the area clearly describe its presence. The statue is in the form of a great beast of unknown species, with hollowed out eyes that still hold the remnants of charcoal. Many of the details in the sculpture have been lost over time to weathering, but it is still a very imposing sight to anyone entering the harbor.

Manufacturing process

The statue is believed to have been carved in place from a single large outcropping of stone protruding from the beach. It is possible that the stone was naturally already shaped somewhat like a large beast, and already had cultural significance before the people of the island refined its form and added various details and decorations. It is unknown precisely what tools the people of Orange Island had available to them. Most likely, they chiseled and shaped the lava rock with harder types of stone found on the island, though some suspect they may also have had bronze or even iron from trading with other peoples from the surrounding islands.

Significance

The Great Statue's significance to the original people of Orange Island is unknown, though it most likely had some sort of spiritual or religious significance. In more modern times, it is primarily a landmark for sailors, and the subject of many superstitious beliefs and folk stories.

Item type

Art

Rarity

Unique, though smaller statues in a similar style exist on the island.

Weight

Has not been specifically calculated, but certainly hundreds of tons

Dimensions

Approxamately 60ft high, 30ft wide, and 120ft long

Raw materials & Components

Somewhat weathered dark blue-black lava rock. Was possibly once inlaid with other stones or shells, as evidenced by fragments found around the base that appear to fit into depressions in the statue.