Main content

Lost Gods of Easter Island

David Attenborough looks back on his personal highlights. This episode sees David embark on a quest to uncover the history of a strange wooden carving.

As part of a season of programming marking Sir David Attenborough's 90th birthday, four of his favourite films are brought together in Attenborough's Passion Projects, as the renowned naturalist looks back on his personal highlights.

Shown in 2000, The Lost Gods of Easter Island sees David Attenborough embark on a personal quest to uncover the history of a strange wooden figurine carving which turned up in an auction room in New York during the 1980s, which had been identified as originating from Easter Island.

He believed the carving's power and presence to be important and began an investigation to trace the origins of the artefact. Taking him on a global journey from Russia to Australia, and from England back to the Pacific, David delves into the history of Easter Island and along the way tells the story of a forgotten civilization from one of the most remote places on Earth.

In a newly shot introduction, David explores how collecting objects, one of his great passions as a naturalist, has led to making some of his most personal films - including the Easter Island carving and also a giant Madagascan egg.

Available now

58 minutes

Audio described

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter David Attenborough
Producer Kate Broome
Executive Producer Michael Gunton

Broadcasts

Celebrating Attenborough at 90

A celebration across the ±«Óãtv of Sir David’s extraordinary career so far.

Get the latest wildlife programming news

Get the latest wildlife programming news and discover shows with ±«Óãtv’s email newsletter.