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Worst joke in history.

The tribe originally made a few small versions of these out of carved coconuts, and had them on the ends of the roof beams of their huts, to keep the birds from roosting above the doors.

Then one day, some Arab traders, who had been blown badly off course, landed at the island. While replenishing their water bags, they saw the small versions, and asked what they were for.

When told, they then told the inhabitants of the giant birds of their own lands, the roc.

A deal was struck: The Arabs would return to their homes, and then come back with a fleet to pick up, C.O.D., large, stone versions of the icons...as many as could be produced.

Having left a small down payment, the Arabs re-boarded the ship, and departed with several of the smaller versions as souvenirs, and laughed themselves silly asking each other how many of the big "roc scarers" the ignorant natives would make, before giving up hope of ever seeing the Arab's return.

If you properly translate the Rongorongo boards, you would know this sad story.

In a way, it is related to the "cargo cults" of post WWII fame.