Deforestation
One theory is that the Rapanui cut down all the trees to move the mo’ai statues, which were rolled on tree trunks. They also needed wood for shelter, boats, and other purposes.
Polynesian rats
Another idea is that the Rapanui brought rats with them. Without predators, the rats multiplied, eating tree seeds and causing deforestation.
European invaders
Some believe the Rapanui were thriving when Europeans arrived. The newcomers brought diseases and conflict, which severely impacted the native population. Conflict among the people There are stories and evidence, like the sharp obsidian mata’a tools, suggesting internal conflicts. However, recent studies suggest mata’a were more likely used for farming and carving rather than as weapons. No matter the cause, the loss of trees meant no wood for boats, trapping the Rapanui people on the island. Today, Rapa Nui is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its 5000 inhabitants work to protect their heritage.
Did you know? The ‘Easter Island heads’ (mo’ai) actually have bodies as well. Some of these are on display on the ahu they rest on, but others are buried underground and must be excavated to be studied.
11.4 SkillBuilder activity USING HISTORICAL SOURCES 1. All across Rapa Nui there are fragments of small, sharp obsidian tools. These are called mata’a and have been given two suggested origins: • They are tips of spears and other weapons used to wage war against other people. • They are pieces of many different types of tools used for various purposes, such as agriculture or the carving of the mo’ai . Construct an argument for (supporting) each side, suggesting why it is the correct understanding of these tools. 2. It has been suggested that the Rapanui turned to cannibalism (eating other humans) prior to European arrival, which supports the idea that the mata’a were weapons. Alternatively, a study of 423 mata’a found that ‘when you look at the shape of these things, they just don’t look like weapons at all’. Propose your own conclusions about the mata’a and justify them with the evidence presented here or your own research.
Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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