The Rano Kau volcano crater lake at the south end of the island is one of only three fresh bodies of water on Rapa Nui. Jagged cliffs and rocky shorelines cover much of the is-
land, but a few unspoilt beaches of white sand are welcome spots to enjoy the azure waters and coconut trees. Anakena beach is the most popular with locals and travellers alike. It is also a site of historic significance as it is likely the beach that welcomed settlers over the ages, including King Hotu Matua, and home to two archeological sites, Ahu Ature Huki and Ahu Nau Nau. Who were the original inhabitants?
Like the moai, the history of the original inhabitants of the island is largely unknown. Te stated origins of the peo- ple and their time of occupation are mainly speculative and based on studies of island lore; it continues to be a point of debate among researchers. It is estimated that the island was first settled in the fourth century, but by whom is any- one’s guess. Some theories have the first settlers arriving from Polyne- sia or South America. Others postulate that two invasions
occurred after the first settlement that shaped the culture and the people. Tis theory holds it was this second inva- sion, which led to the destruction of many moai and the cessation of the creation of these marvels. Another tale tells of the arrival of seven sailors, all follow- ing the instructions of a clairvoyant, bringing items (such as a moai and, yes, yams) to the island, but only one man remained. When King Hotu Matua arrived, the moai and yam were already present on the island. Were these seven men actually tribes? Did only one tribe survive? With much of the island’s history based in legend and myth, the truth may never be fully realized.
Easter Island sculptures Te moai are themselves a conundrum. Te timing of their
construction cannot be pinned down exactly, and again leg- ends vary on how the first head arrived on the island. Te majority of the moai are male torsos with heads bearing long ears, and are thought to represent ancestors with su-
Anakena beach is popular with visitors and locals alike. 52 • Winter 2016
Ovahe beach at sunset. The Hub
Photo by Traveling Otter.
Photo by Traveling Otter.
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