In my previous blogs I have detailed the internal forces that shaped the history of the Rapa Nui. From the islands discovery by Hotu Manu'a and the develpement of a megalithic culture to the rise of the Birdman Cult - the Rapa Nui existed for 800 years. Was it the depletion of natural resources and competition for these resources that would be its demise, yes to some degree. But it was external not only internal forces that were responsible for the end of the ancient Rapa Nui culture.
European Domination
When ships starting arriving in the 1800's they brought missionaries who started to convert the Rapa Nui to Christianity. This brought an end to the Birdman Cult. Orongo was soon abandoned and one of its most important Moai was stolen by the British Ship HMS Topze. This Moai sits in the British Museum today. Many other priceless artifacts of the Rapa Nui culture were taken. The ships also brought sailors with diseases that the Rapa Nui people had no immunity too. Many died as a result of this.
Slave Traders
Throughout the 19th century, South American slave raids took away as much as half of the native population. By 1877, the Rapa Nui numbered just 111.
This seems like a very sad ending to an ancient Polynesian society. First plundered by a world unfamiliar to them and then captured to become slaves. But not all is lost as their culture and achievements now captivate a world drawn to this most remote Pacific island. Why is that. Is it the mysteries surrounding the rise and fall of the Rapa Nui, or something else. For me, it was the power and presence of the Moai. These statues stand in silence but speak volumes about the achievements of their creators.
