Mystery of Easter Island

Gr 7 Up—This documentary is a theoretical exploration of the life and livelihood of the inhabitants on Rapa Nui, which was renamed Easter Island by Dutch colonialists in the 1720s. Rapa Nui, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered one of the most remotely populated places on Earth, and has been a center of both archeological and ethnographic research for decades. While many aspects of the island are touched upon in this film, including evolving hypotheses about how the population winnowed, the primary focus is on the ancient stone carvings known as moai—large figures carved out of volcanic tuff with basalt chisels. About 900 moai, each weighing tons, have been placed on plinths throughout the island. Drawing from previous research and indigenous oral history, two American archeologists, along with a team of scientists, engineers, and volunteers, set out to test if these structures were transported in an upright, "walking" position. An innovative design team allowed social scientists for the first time to bring an accurate 15-ton replica to Rapa Nui, where methods of upright transport could be explored and tested. Surprising results shed new light on this persistently captivating culture and landmark. Recommended for middle and high school history and social science programs.—Vincent M. Livoti, University of Maine at Augusta