Easter Island

Easter Island has long been the subject of interest and speculation. Easter Island is also known as "Rapa Nui" and "Isla de Pascua". We all wonder how and why the local inhabitants carve and transport the massive statues which dot the island.

Admiral Roggeveen reached the island on the day of Easter in 1722 and named it Easter Island. Easter Island is one of the most isolated places on the surface of Earth; about 2,000 miles from Tahiti and Chile, the nearest populated regions. Easter Island is best known for its massive stone monoliths- Moai, that dot the coastline. "Te Pito O Te Henua" (Navel of The World) was the name given to the island by the early settlers.

There has been much debate, speculation and uncertainty about the origin of the Easter Island. According to Heyerdahl, the people who built these statues had Peruvian descent. He put forward his theory on the basis of similarity between Rapa Nui and the Incan stonework. Archaeological evidences credit the Polynesians as the discoverers of this island, around 400A.D. A remarkable and mysterious culture began to develop after their arrival. Besides these massive statues, the islanders also possessed the Rongorongo script; the only written language in Oceania.

Increase in population of the Easter Island took a heavy toll of the fragile ecosystem leading to ecological disaster. Resources became scant and the once luxurious palm forests were ruined - they were cleared for agriculture and the massive stone Moai were also moved. Afterwards, a flourishing and advanced social order became decadent because of civil war. Ultimately, all of the Moai standing along the coast were torn down in the feud. The statues, which we see today, have been revived by the archaeologists. Contacts with the west proved disastrous for the population and it decreased to approximately 111 by the turn of the century. However, annexation by Chile in 1888, led to increase in population of the Easter Island.

Easter Island is still, one of the most fascinating places one will ever come across. The landscape is truly astonishing. The Easter Island is home to various natural features like volcanic craters, lava formations, beaches, dazzling blue water, and archaeological sites. The mysterious and fascinating culture (partly lost) of the Easter Island can be seen in an open air museum on the Island. The local people, Rapanui, are very friendly even with strangers.