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Makemake, Rapa Nui God of Fertility and Creator of Humanity - Windows to the Universe
Petroglyph of the Makemake god in the Easter Islands.
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Public domain image/Wikipedia Commons

Related links:

Makemake: a Dwarf Planet

Mythology of the Polynesian Islands

Myths About Planets

Makemake, Rapa Nui God of Fertility and Creator of Humanity

In South Pacific mythology, Makemake was the creator of humanity and the god of fertility. He was also the chief god of the bird-man cult. Petroglyphs of Makemake, which look like a man with a bird's head, can be found on Rapa Nui (also called Easter Island).

In July 2008, the name Makemake was given to a newly discovered dwarf planet. It was named this because it was discovered soon after Easter in 2005, and was first nicknamed "Easterbunny." When the astronomer who discovered it chose an official name, he decided to name it after a mythological character from an island whose English name is Easter Island.

Last modified July 31, 2008 by Becca Hatheway.

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