AncietPages.com - Analysis of giant stone hats found on Rapa Nui, Chile (Easter Island) provides evidence contrary to the widely held belief that the ancient civilization had a warrior culture.
Widely accepted belief that Rapa Nui inhabitants of Easter Island, located 2,500 miles off the coast of Chile, were aggressive warriors is now questioned.
A team of researchers, including Carl Lipo, anthropology professor and director of the Environmental Studies Program at Binghamton University, Binghamton University, State University of New York, the previously unacknowledged giant stone hats (‘pukao’) that were placed atop them.
The results suggest that the people of Rapa Nui were part of a supportive and inclusive community.
‘Pukao’hats - 70 multi-ton giant cylindrical-shaped stone hats - are made from a volcanic rock known as 'red scoria.' Weighing multiple tons, they were placed on the heads of the moai during prehistoric times, according to the Polynesian traditions of honoring their ancestors.
Using photography to produce 3D computer models, the researchers examined the gigantic hats scattered around the island, in great detail.
Interestingly, they also discovered many drawings carved into the hats than was previously thought.
"With the building mitigating any sense of conflict, the moai construction and pukao placement were key parts to the success of the island," said Lipo.
"In our analysis of the archaeological records, we see evidence that demonstrates the prehistoric communities repeatedly worked together to build monuments. The action of cooperation had a benefit to the community by enabling sharing of information and resources."
The researcher believes that Easter Island is still not well-documented.
"Every time we look at the archaeological record of the island, we are surprised by what we find. There is much more to be learned from this remarkable place—important answers that shed light on the abilities of our ancestors, as well as potential ideas for contemporary society about what it takes to survive on a tiny and remote island," said Lipo.
AncientPages.com
Expand for references
