Although there are numerous different theories surrounding the disappearance of the early Rapa Nui people, it is widely considered today that the ancient islanders became the engineers of their own devastation. That’s what the majority of the world’s most prominent researchers believe, that is if we were to talk purely about the living conditions of Easter Island.
One theory proposed that the settlers shaved the island clean from forest life, with the erroneous belief that trees will naturally grow back fast. In addition, the rapidly increasing population of inhabitants on the island became a major crisis, leaving the place overly crowded and deprived of further space and resources for growth and development.
Potential Eruption
There are also three dead volcanoes fixed on top of Easter Island and the highest one stands at an astounding 1674 feet. Specifically speaking though, Easter Island is, in principle, a whole massive volcano sitting in a remote region in the Pacific Ocean.
The major volcano in Easter Island is called Rano Kau and it is currently situated inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rapa Nui National Park. Additionally, the Rano Kau volcano is, in fact, the actual site of the ruins of Orongo, the ritualistic community in which the early islanders journeyed and venerated as a sacred ground of worship.
Rat Infestation
One other theory which could shed light on the mysterious disappearance of the island’s early settlers involved rat infestation. There are historians who support the idea that a surplus of food stocks may have opened up a flood gate of rats that stayed hidden in the canoes of the ancient pioneers of Easter Island.
There was a possibility that rodents relentlessly chowed down on their vegetation, stopping them from growing back properly. Regardless of all the havoc that they inflicted though, rats were apparently a main part of the native diet. The notion that the Rapa Nui people put rodents on the menu was supported by hard evidence after archaeologists uncovered rat bones on the island.
Who Were the Builders?
In spite of its rich history and the various theories that accompanied it, a conclusive explanation as to who precisely built the colossal Moai statues, how they did it, and why, is still up in the air. A widely known theory proposes that the massive stone figures were made by top professional carvers of the ancient Polynesian craft guilds.
One other theory also proposes that constituents of every tribe joined forces to build the magnificent Moai. This is a logical proposition since the Rano Raraku quarry was known to be divided into distinct regions designated for every tribe that belonged to their people.
A Higher Purpose
We have already mentioned a plethora of different theories around the true meaning of the Moai and the more profound significance that they carry but there are plenty more theories that have been thrown around throughout the years. A considerable number of archaeologists support the notion that they were built to symbolize power and ruling.
For the people living on Easter Island, however, the Moai served a far higher purpose and meaning. The Moai were recognized as physical embodiments of spirits deeply rooted in their beliefs, culture, and identity as a people. There’s also a theory suggesting that the Moa manifested their old ancestors, who continually watch over the island and its people, far across the sea.