For many centuries, numerous scientists and historians have been trying to solve the mysteries of Easter Island, a secluded and small island in the Pacific Ocean. The island is famed for its massive stone statues called Moai, which were left behind by an earlier civilization that chose to live in near-complete isolation.
The mysterious Moai
The Moai are characterized by their giant stone heads and bizarre faces. It is believed that they serve as silent guardians protecting the island, but the true nature of their existence is still unknown. Naturally, people became fascinated by them, and to this day, they seek answers. The Rapa Nui, the island's native Polynesian people, are thought to be the makers of these statues, but most of their stories regarding the Moai are more mythical in nature, leading to historical dead-ends.
Perhaps the biggest unanswered question regarding the Moai is how the Rapa Nui were able to sculpt and move these massive statues throughout the island. A portion of the Moai can weigh up to 82 tons and reach heights of 33 feet, and even with multiple builders, there is also the uneven terrain of the island itself to consider. The feat is even more mind-blowing given the lack of sophisticated equipment and technology available at the time.
A lost paradise?
One of the mysteries about the island is its ecological decline. The Easter Island, which used to be covered with thick palm forests, now appears barren and desert-like. This is because theorists believe that such mainly happened because of the Rapa Nui’s over-exploitation of their resources which contributed to the reduction of their forests and the eventual collapse of their environment.
Today, Easter Island serves as a physical reminder of the dire effects of abusing nature. With fears of global warming on the rise, it is perhaps more important now than ever to implement sustainable practices, especially for the coming generations.
The big "why"
Lastly, archeologists still have many holes to fill in terms of Easter Island's history. The lack of written records and the oral nature of the Rapa Nui history add to the mystery surrounding Easter Island. How did the Rapa Nui find their way to this isolated land, and why did they decide to settle there?
The Great Mystery of Easter Island might never be completely solved; however, there is still much to be learned from it. The Moai are proof that making the wrong decisions can degrade even the most stable of communities. The more we study Easter Island, the more we can understand the importance of protecting our natural resources.
