The Ahu and Moai

Regardless the name of this place, the most peculiar feature about Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is the Moai or large stone sculpted monoliths, commonly referred to as tikis.  Carved disproportionately in the form of a human, some theories propose these stones were merely objects of worship while native legends refer to them as an embodiment of their ancestors.  Considering the time commitment towards the monumental task ensued to create and erect them throughout the island, very little is known.  Evidence remaining of different stages during construction can be found in quarries yet the methods of transport are still disputed.   

Although some of these mysteries may be solved over time, many questions will undoubtedly remain.  Where there isn’t much room for debate is the general areas where the Moai were positioned. Some of those positioned long the coastline were situated atop ceremonial platforms known as Ahu which are similar to the Heiau’s of Hawaii, Pouahu of New Zealand and Marae of Tahiti.  These Ahu were constructed in places elevated above the surrounding landscape either by the natural topography or by heaped up mounds of sand, rocks and other materials.

From a Single Perspective

When Europeans originally encountered the people of Polynesia, speculation surrounded the ability of the “primitive” natives from having skills beyond the simple tasks of fishing, gathering, farming and especially wayfaring.  Without seeing familiar tools and a written language, it was difficult for the newcomers to fathom any perpetuation of greater knowledge by the indigenous people of these islands. Nonetheless, what is often overlooked is the mental state and professions of these Western explorers themselves. Although determined, adventurous, knowledgeable in navigation, and literate, the European visitors did not attribute the same characteristics to those who had already settled these places.  The initial Europeans who visited were not specifically trained in many of the abstract concepts required for understanding these foreign languages, cultures and ideals like the growing the number of anthropologists and archaeologists of today.

 

Although some of these mysteries may be solved over time, many questions will undoubtedly remain.  Where there isn’t much room for debate is the general areas where the Moai were positioned. Some of those positioned long the coastline were situated atop ceremonial platforms known as Ahu which are similar to the Heiau’s of Hawaii, Pouahu of New Zealand and Marae of Tahiti.  These Ahu were constructed in places elevated above the surrounding landscape either by the natural topography or by heaped up mounds of sand, rocks and other materials.

Currents in the Pacific

What is known as evidenced by contemporary methods is the overall view of the region does indicate that this place is comparatively small and is located within the “navel” of the surrounding ocean currents and at the center of the “eye” of the prevailing wind patterns or vice versa.  A similar situation with the winds and current exists at the much larger island chains and other two points of the Polynesian triangle across the Pacific Ocean with Hawaii in the Northwest and New Zealand in the Southwest.

Polynesian legends are a form of history which provided a layering of interpretations with specific meanings dependent upon the audience. Ancient Polynesians had their owned skilled craftsmen and guilds with their own set of “trade secrets”  In an environment where knowledge was passed from generation to generation by “word of mouth,” not only did retold stories relate the obvious but would often have additional underlying meanings like genealogy, trade agreements/routes, star charts, and socio-politics.  Without a deeper understanding of the culture, the ability of the Polynesians for mathematics and geospatial recognition was overlooked. Modern scientific discoveries including plant and human genetics have proven the people of the Pacific and Americas did interact with meaningful purpose over vast distances.  They did understand where they were, where they were going, and what they wanted to do.