A development in society was Birdman worship. An honorary leader of all the tribes/clans was elected annaully, the incumbent being the man who's best athlete, in competition with other tribe's athletes, was the first to bring back an unbroken egg, first of the season, from Motu Nui. The drop to the sea from here is about 1,500 feet, down cliffs and very steep ground, then the competitiors swam out to Motu Nui on their flax paddleboards to grab an egg, then swam back and climbed up the cliffs (knocking off their opponents at any opportunity) and reaching the top first.