Groundbreaking research undertaken by Uppsala University and published in the journal Antiquity (via Ancient Origins) has rewritten previously held beliefs about the remote society of Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island.
Rapa Nui has long been seen as the epitome of a remote community, with historical records indicating that it developedin isolation without other Polynesian communities after it was established in 1200 A.D. However, the new research has found that Rapa Nui was influential in the development of other East Polynesian cultures and influenced the passing of some ceremonial ideals across the Pacific. Using radiocarbon dating, experts in Pacific archaeology Paul Wallin and Helene Martinsson-Wallin found that marae temple structures—intricate rectangular clearings which were used for community ceremonies—originated on Rapa Nui rather than on one of the connected islands, as was previously believed.
“The most important finding is that, based on C-14 dating, we can observe an initial west-to-east spread of ritual ideas," Wallin explained. "However, the complex, unified ritual spaces (known as marae) show earlier dates in the east."
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The results show that the Polynesian islands were far more interconnected and sophisticated than previously thought. It is believed that since ceremonial practices made their way from Rapa Nui to other Pacific settlements indicates a high level of maritime activity operating in the Polynesian islands, which pushes against any ideas of isolationism.
"The migration process from West Polynesian core areas such as Tonga and Samoa to East Polynesia is not disputed here," the study reads. "Still, the static west-to-east colonization and dispersal suggested for East Polynesia and the idea that Rapa Nui was only colonized once in the past and developed in isolation is challenged."
The study has largely reconceived how history views Rapa Nui and the Polynesian islands, and challenges commonly accepted ideas about the movement and development of ritual temple sites in East Polynesia," according to Wallen. “The findings suggest a more complex pattern than previously thought. Initially, it has been shown that ritual ideas spread from west to east. Later, more elaborate temple structures developed on Easter Island, which then influenced other parts of East Polynesia in an east-to-west movement."
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Archaeologists Make Groundbreaking Easter Island Discovery first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 9, 2025
