The Historic Genesis of Easter Island

Happy Easter to all those who enjoy celebrating it! As some may know, Easter is a festival and holiday that recognizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ rising from the dead after his crucifixion by the Romans. Although Easter is mainly celebrated for the rebirth of Jesus, there are many informational stories relating to the importance of Easter Sunday. Due to its relevance, today my discussion prominently leads to the origin of Easter Island.

Have you ever heard of this Island’s remote whereabouts?

 Easter Island belongs to the Chilean country and is traditionally known as Isla de Pascua (Spanish) or Rapa Nui, formed by the Polynesian people. The Island is located in the Southeast of the Pacific Ocean and due to its isolate settlement, inhabitants will explain that it is rather eerie and mysterious. Easter Island is one of the world’s smallest and most deserted places, thus resulting in UNESCO to name it a World Heritage site in 1995. Easter Island is also protected by the Rapa Nui National Park situated on the island.

The historic significance of Easter Island began many centuries ago. It was found by a Dutch explorer, Jacob Roggeveen on Easter Sunday (April 5, 1722). The island was already inhabited by the ancient Polynesians who settled there between 700-1100 CE. The island had suffered overpopulation which eventually led to deforestation and the elimination of natural resources. When the Europeans arrived in 1722, Easter Island’s population was reduced once more due to the spreading of diseases. The population dropped again during the 1860’s involving the Peruvian slave raids. Since, the island’s population has increased to nearly 5,765 people.

The overall size of Easter Island is roughly 24.6km in length and 12.3km at its widest point, creating a triangular shape. The island consists of mainly 3 volcanoes, Terevaka, Poike, and Rano Kau as well as several extinct volcanic caves. Easter Island has a vast terrain filled with many hills and craters such as Rano Raraku. Not only is Easter Island a beautiful place, but many artifacts have been found including 4,000 documented petroglyphs.

Even though there may not be an Easter rabbit inhabiting the island, there is a certain uniqueness that encircles the astonishing clear blue waters and rocky shorelines. What makes this island so different from any other? The utmost famous aspect within the island, are the 887 statues derived from the hillside rock called Moai. These statues were carved by stone hand chisels by the Rapa Nui people from the time period of 1100-1680 CE. The largest Moai on the island is called Paro and it weighs in at 82 tons! For every Moai, an estimated 5-6 men took approximately a year to chisel and move to the coastline. Then, they were placed on large and narrow platforms known as Ahu. The Ahu Tongariki shown below is the largest rock platform with the Moai resting on top.

Easter Island is definitely on my travel wish list!

Written by Tessa R. Adamski

Images:

http://www.explora.com/

http://www.thousandwonders.net/Rapa+Nui+National+Park

http://www.fodors.com/go-list/2013/easter-island/