Somewhere between 800AD and 1100AD Hotu Matu'a arrived on Easter Island. His catamaran landed on Anakena Beach on the north side of the island. He brought with him plants and chickens that would help sustain his clan as they began to colonize Easter Island. Hotu Matu'a became the Ariki Mau, the King and spiritual leader. To understand where this group of sea going adventures came from, refer to the map below. There are three different cultures that are associated with the development of the South Pacific societies - the Micronesians, Melanesians and Polynesians. Easter Island is the easternmost point of the development of the Polynesian culture. I have been able to travel to several islands in the Melanesian and Polynesian zone. It has been very interesting for me to be able to compare the religious and cultural differences between these islands.
Hotu Matu'a travels to the most eastern part of the Polynesian culture.
The first part of the development of the Rapa Nui culture was to increase its population and establish clans around the island. The early development also saw the growth of a megalithic culture. The word "megalithic" describes a period of time when structures made of very large stones without the use of mortar or concrete - characterized the culture.
My introduction to these large stones/statues called Moai were at sunset on my first night. A tradition on the island is to head to Ahu Tahai and watch the sunset. It is believed that Ahu Tahai was one of the oldest ancient statue sites on Rapa Nui. Actually there are 3 ahu sites that constitute the complex: Ko Te Riku, Vai Ure/Uri, Tahai. The complex was restored by archaeologist William Mulloy between 1968 and 1970.
Wow, what a sunset.
The sunset at Tahai was one of the most beautiful I had ever seen. I couldn't wait to explore the island and learn more about these amazing statues and the Rapa Nui culture that held them in such reverence.
Next post from this trip.
