Discovering the Rapa Nui: History, Culture, and Moais

Introduction

The Rapa Nui are the indigenous Polynesian habitants of Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean. The easternmost Polynesian culture, the descendants of Easter Island's original peoples make up about 60% of Easter Island's current population & a significant part of its population resides on Chile's mainland. They speak both the traditional Rapa Nui language & Chile's primary language, Spanish.

History

Rapa Nui R believed 2 have settled Easter Island between 300 & 1200 CE. Previously, the date of arrival was estimated 2 be around 700–800 CE, but more-recent evidence demostrate other date. Jacob Roggeveen was the 1st European 2 record contact with the Rapa Nui. Roggeveen allready set sail either in search of Juan Fernandez Islands or David's Island but instead arrived Easter Island on April 5, 1722. He remained on the island for about a week.

Culture

The main stories of Rapa Nui mythology R those of Hotu Matu'a, who is believed 2 have been the 1st settler of Easter Island, & Tangata manu. Tangata manu is the mythology of the religion & cult of the Birdman that had the creator god Makemake & the competition with the eggs 2 choose the birdman that would remain sacred 4 5 months.

Culture 2:  About the music, it consists of choral singing and chanting accompanied by instruments including conch shell trumpets, percussive dancers, accordions, etc. 

Tattoos: As in other Polynesian islands, tattoos and body paintings had a fundamentally spiritual connotation. In some cases, tattoos were considered a receptor of divine force or mana. The priests, warriors and chiefs had more tattoos than the rest of the population, as a symbol of their hierarchy. Both men and woman were tattoed to represent their social class. The tattooing process was performed with bone needles and combs called Uhi, made out of bird or fish bones.

Moai

The best-known aspect of the Rapa Nui culture is the moai, they were carved from rock about 887 humans figures between 1250 and 1500 CE. Many archaeologists suggest that the statues were thus symbols of authority and power, both religious and political.The Moais are known for their large, broad noses and strong chins, and  large heads, that is about three-eighths the size of the whole statue. But there are many different heights, for example, the tallest moai created, called Paro,  who was almost 10 metres high.

Agriculture

Agriculture on Easter Island shows signs of intensification before European arrival, necessary because of its climate which had an excess of wind and a low amount of rainfall. So the Rapa Nui tribe used an irrigation system, in addition they used rock barriers for the wind.In the fields, a system of agriculture called lithic mulch was employed. This method consist of laying rock, so the plants will grow in a determinate area, this method also increase the soil moisture, while decresing the soil erosion from wind.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the beauty model of the Rapa Nui tribe is not as different as other tribes. The clothing model and the shape of the tattoos are their way of showing what social class they belong to, something we also use with clothing.