A FAMOUS Barmouth figure has been recreated and brought back to its home on the town’s beach.

The Maoi Maoi head, also known as ‘Dum Dum’, appeared on Barmouth beach in 2010 and has become a landmark and a much loved resident of the town.

However, the sculpture suffered damage during Storm Dennis in February 2020.

This forced the removal of the sculpture.

A new head replacement, christened ‘son of Dum Dum’ by some in the town, appeared on the beach on Friday, 2 April much to the delight of the public.

David Brown is chair of Barmouth Publicity Association.

He said: “Barmouth’s Moai sculpture ‘mysteriously’ appeared overnight in 2010 but rapidly became a popular attraction.

“This was not just with the town’s many visitors but also amongst our local residents who affectionately named him ‘Dum-Dum’.”

David continued: “Over the last decade he has endured vandalism and the ravages of the weather and it had sadly taken its toll.”

“Barmouth’s residents were therefore delighted to discover that a new Moai carving had appeared overnight.

He added: “There is a genuine feeling of delight in the town that Dum-Dum can now rest in peace.

“His replacement can continue to bring a smile to the face of visitors and residents alike.

“He looks truly magnificent in the dunes and stands ready to welcome visitors from across the border when they are allowed to travel again next week.

“I’m sure he will rapidly become as popular as his predecessor and quickly establish himself as another of Barmouth’s iconic images.”

Sculptor Paul Edwards is the man behind the creation of the new head.

He was summoned by an unknown source to create the sculpture that mysteriously reappeared on Barmouth beach.

Paul said he felt honoured to be part of something that means so much to so many in the town.

He said: “I work as an artist for Simon O’Rourke, this is one of my first major public pieces.”

Paul added: “It was an amazing opportunity and honour to create something for the vast public to see.”