Archaeological excavations of Easter Island reveal three cultural phases: the early period (700-850 A.D.), the middle period (1050-1680) and the late period (post-1680). Between the early and middle periods, evidence has shown that many early statues were deliberately destroyed and rebuilt as the larger and heavier moai for which the island is most famous. During the middle period, ahus, or the platforms for the groups of statues, also contained burial chambers, and the images portrayed by moai are thought to have represented important figures that were honored after death. The biggest statue found dating to the middle period measures about 32 feet tall, and consists of a single block weighing about 82 tons (74,500 kilograms).
The late period of the island's civilization was characterized by civil wars and general destruction; more statues were toppled, and many mataa, or obsidian spearpoints, have been found dating to that period. Island tradition claims that around 1680, after peacefully coexisting for many years, one of the island's two main ethnic groups, known as the Short-Ears, rebelled against the Long-Ears, burning many of them to death on a pyre constructed along an ancient ditch at Poike, on the island's far northeastern coast.
Polynesia is a wonderful place. Despite civil war and disease brought by european explorers, the populations of these islands are bright and remarkably happy people. They have been through tough times that make the good times that much sweeter. They celebrate because they can, because they are free, and because they have pride in their island. Their pride is shown every four years during the Festival des Marquises. This celebration is talked about more in my blog:
The late period of the island's civilization was characterized by civil wars and general destruction; more statues were toppled, and many mataa, or obsidian spearpoints, have been found dating to that period. Island tradition claims that around 1680, after peacefully coexisting for many years, one of the island's two main ethnic groups, known as the Short-Ears, rebelled against the Long-Ears, burning many of them to death on a pyre constructed along an ancient ditch at Poike, on the island's far northeastern coast.
Polynesia is a wonderful place. Despite civil war and disease brought by european explorers, the populations of these islands are bright and remarkably happy people. They have been through tough times that make the good times that much sweeter. They celebrate because they can, because they are free, and because they have pride in their island. Their pride is shown every four years during the Festival des Marquises. This celebration is talked about more in my blog: