A Preponderance Of Evidence

Undoubtedly, many will strive to continue to discredit the possibility of a connection between the Americas and Pacific prior to the arrival of modern Europeans but the preponderance of evidence provided by these simple maps based upon mathematical facts when combined with the past and present studies and findings in human genetics, agricultural genetics, linguistics, navigation, lithic materials, timelines and religious practices will continue to prove otherwise. For the Record: All identified locations mapped using Global Positioning Coordinates published by Wikipedia and Wikimapia using NOAA Navigational Tools Software in conjunction with those latitude/longitude positions and correlated with maps prepared by National Geographic/Google/Oracle while using Miller Cylindrical Projection and using UTM Projection WGS 84 (NAD83) calculations. All work performed by me or under my direct supervision, a certified professional surveyor & mapper.

Exhausting The Possibilities

After exhausting the possibilities for Volcano Terevaka, the next most prominent land features would be Ahu Akivi and Urenga which are located along the ridge between Volcanoes Terevaka and Rano Kau. Using the Ahu/Moai elevated upon the ridge, in conjunction with the nearest pair of coastal Ahu/Moai a direct bearing towards Tahiti and the South Island of New Zealand is revealed. Along the southeasterly coastline, the total number of Ahu/Moai equals the sum of the northerly and westerly coastlines yet using the same methods of calculation does not provide direction to anywhere significantly related. Nonetheless, the same manner by which some of the Ahu/Moai provide the proper direction, others could also be used to indicate the wrong direction. An interesting observation about the southeasterly coastal Ahu/Moai is how they can be used with each other to find due East and the precise direction to Copiano, another center of culture in South America and when properly aligned due east from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) the 13 Ahu/Moai would appear as only 9, a significant number to both regions found in legend, politics and triangulation.

Initial Calculations

After initially calculating a match for both Hawaii and New Zealand, a preliminary analysis of the remaining Ahu/Moai was conducted. Like the rays of the sun or spokes on a wheel, the lines were further protracted across the Pacific in every direction. Using Volcano Terevaka exclusively as the central apex, 42% of the protracted bearings pointed towards significant centers of culture of the time including the two largest land masses in Polynesia, a known ancient point of origin in North America, and several significant established cities of South America.

Like The Rays Of The Sun

Using GPS coordinates to map the location of the Ahu/Moai and determining the most simple and easiest method of using existing landmarks to triangulate a direction for navigation would be to find to the midpoint between a pair of Ahu/Moai along the shoreline and draw a line from that point to another significant landmark further inland. In terms of visibility, the higher elevated the landmark is topographically, the easier it is to see. The highest point on Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is atop Volcano Terevaka and from sea is visible in every direction. Radiating directional bearings from this high point and midway between a pair of Ahu/Moai, lines were protracted into the sea and well beyond. The example below depicts how Ahu/Moai Maikati Te Moa and Te Peu point directly towards the North Island of New Zealand. From the ocean, the conditions would look similar to the sketch in Figure 10b

Off on a Tangent - Migrations and Genetics

There is no doubt in my mind that the Ahu and Moai locations are directly related to the land mass at the end of the projected bearing but as an exercise I felt it was necessary to support more than a coincidence. In short, the possible migration routes and the genetic evidence that has been researched up to this point both agree with the timelines of the construction of the Ahu and Moai on Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and the cultural evidence seem to reinforce the idea more than contradict. Off on a tangent, I began mapping the significant archeological and genetic findings. The maps prepared reflect the general migration routes which were possible and most logical considering the currents, winds and other perspectives from a navigational point of view. Although the direction of flow may be debated, their existence can not. Using these genetic results in conjunction with current archeological evidence, the earliest historical evidence indicates Polynesia was originally settled by a “robust bone” Caucasian people. There existence today can still be seen much further West and into Melanesia the ancient Northern Americans share a similar gene. After about 1,500-2,000 years, a Indus Region Caucasian gene appears in the pacific but mixed with descendants of the ancient Asian gene from Taiwan via Central and South America. Around the same period, the Asian gene from Taiwan appears via North America. During this period of reintegration, the population grows significantly throughout the Pacific and continuing to mix with newer immigrants. When comparing the original Caucasian gene with the more recent arriving Caucasian gene, there are many similarities but the two would have diverged about 2,000 years ago according to genetic studies. Basically, the two did not encounter each other at sea but could share a common ancient history.

Pre-Calculated Directions

Although I need a little more time to verify dates of civilizations, re-calculate locations, and clarify some further sources and studies, the initial calculations are proving to be accurate and coincide with the latest studies as well as ancient legends of both the Pacific and the Americas. For the Record: All identified locations mapped using Global Positioning Coordinates published by Wikipedia and Wikimapia using NOAA Navigational Tools Software in correlation with those latitude/longitude positions and correlated with maps prepared by National Geographic/Google/Oracle using Miller Cylindrical Projection and using UTM Projection WGS 84 (NAD83) calculations. As a certified professional surveyor & mapper with over 25 years experience, all maps are prepared by me or under my direction supervision.

Directional Beacons

The Ahu and Moai can be used as directional beacons much like the modern lighthouses are used today. The addition of fire on or nearby the Ahu could further add to the visibility of the statues from both the light and the smoke. From the aspect of survival, gaining the cooperation of the amount of people necessary for organizing such a herculean effort is greatly enhanced. Like many other islands, one of the first priorities of the Maoris of New Zealand when landing was to construct a Po or totem type structure. This would instantly provide the navigator with a land bearing for the return trip.

The Moai and Ahu (Stone Monoliths and Foundations)

Regardless the name of this place, the most peculiar and famous features about Rapa Nui (Easter Island) are the Moai and Ahu or large stone sculpted monoliths on stone ceremonial foundations, commonly referred to as tikis. Carved disproportionately in the form of a human, some theories propose these stones were merely objects of worship while native legends refer to them as an embodiment of their ancestors. Considering the time commitment towards the monumental task ensued to create and erect them throughout the island, very little is known. Although some of these mysteries may be solved over time, many questions will undoubtedly remain. Where there isn’t much room for debate is the general areas where the Moai were positioned. Some of those positioned long the coastline were situated atop ceremonial platforms known as Ahu which are similar to the Heiau’s of Hawaii, Pouahu of New Zealand and Marae of Tahiti. These Ahu were constructed in places elevated above the surrounding landscape either by the natural topography or by heaped up mounds of sand, rocks and other materials.

Harnessing the Sun, Moon and Stars

For example, Ahu Vai Mata and Maikati Te Moa used in conjunction with the Volcano Terevaka provides a direct bearing to the islands of Hawai’i. Similarly, Maiati Te Moa and Te Peu provide direction to New Zealand while Tara Kai Ua and Nau Nau give a bearing to Isla Del Sol in Lake Titicaca, South America and A Tanga paired with Papa Tekena give route to Tikal on the Yucatan Peninsula in Central America. Using this same technique, the coastal Ahu can be used individually, with other lesser prominent land features, hillside Ahu sites or even with each other depending on the desired destination. Ancient Pacific wayfarers as well as the indigenous people of South America possessed a keen knowledge of their environment and the skies above which is made obvious by the various structures which were constructed long before the European explorers arrived. Considering the slave raids which quickly transpired following the arrival of these newcomers, it should be no mystery of why the native inhabitants encountered had little or no knowledge to share with this strange new people with regards to the navigational skills and aptitude. Nonetheless, there were European accounts of encounters at sea with smaller swifter sailing vessels but never any direct contact or communication. Most of that which is already understood about this region is not in question but there are many reasons to concede and too much evidence to deny that Polynesia and the Americas has been a melting pot of cultures from every direction for thousands of years.

Knowing Where You Are Going

Having a known direction makes navigation by the stars a much easier prospect. Moreover, using a combination of landmarks with the alignment of the boat, its mast and simple astronomical observations of the sun, moon or stars, a navigator can find his position and can also use them to maintain a bearing direction which can be followed over vast distances well beyond the sight of land. Utilizing multiple objects and observations allows navigators to travel with a much higher degree of precision. Furthermore, knowledge of the prevailing wind patterns and ocean currents could be utilized by implementing the use of anchor and sounding stones which would add another aspect of accuracy and proficiency to wayfaring. Although unevenly spaced and named rather than numbered, they do provide an accurate projected direction to culturally significant land masses in the Pacific in addition to ancient cities in Central and South America.

Using Landmarks at Sea

Without the availability of Radars, GPS (Global Positioning Systems) and electronic depth gauges, boaters, surfers and fishermen who move around coastal areas do have the use of landmarks to help triangulate their position and course when traveling on or near the water. Depending upon the terrain and circumstance, they rely upon mountains, rocks, tall trees, buildings and other such objects like lighthouses and even Ahu and Moai to provide a direct line of sight. Not only can they be used to guide ships towards shore but away, as well.

A Bird's Eye View

A more pragmatic analysis indicates the location of the Moai and Ahu could have played a significant role in connecting the dots between a Westward migration and influence from the Eastern Pacific. An idea and ability to travel methodically which has been traditionally downplayed and at times blatantly disregarded by a majority of the academic community of the past who perpetuated the concept of a singular Eastward movement through Polynesia. Nonetheless, mounting evidence including genetic findings surrounding many new discoveries suggests multiple migrations throughout the Polynesian region and well beyond into neighboring islands as well as larger continents. At Rapa Nui (Easter Island) an aerial view or “eye from the sky” reveals the coastal Ahu and Moai are curiously placed in a fashion much resembling a type of triangular compass with the center point and highest landmark being the Volcano Terevaka located in the center. Although unevenly spaced and named rather than numbered, they do provide a sense of certain direction when combined with geographical features of the island. From a navigational perspective, it is easy to ascertain how Rapa Nui (Easter Island) would naturally become a center or hub for organized movement between the Americas and Western Polynesia.

From a Different Perspective

When Europeans originally encountered the people of Polynesia, speculation surrounded the ability of the “primitive” natives from having skills beyond the simple tasks of fishing, gathering, farming and especially wayfaring. Without seeing familiar tools and a written language, it was difficult for the newcomers to fathom any perpetuation of greater knowledge by the indigenous people of these islands. Nonetheless, what is often overlooked is the mental state and professions of these Western explorers themselves. Although determined, adventurous, knowledgeable in navigation, and literate, the European visitors did not attribute the same characteristics to those who had already settled these places. The initial Europeans who visited were not specifically trained in many of the abstract concepts required for understanding these foreign languages, cultures and ideals like the growing the number of anthropologists and archaeologists of today. For those European explorers to expect the native settlers of Polynesia to understand and explain their navigation methods to a foreign visitor would be like asking the pilgrims who sailed with Christopher Columbus how they arrived in America. They would know it was by boat and possibly any stops along the way but exactly how it was done would remain a mystery. Similar to those explorers, the original Polynesian navigators would’ve been on a voyage to another place or returning to their homeland and not available to answer questions.

Pacific Circulation

What is known as evidenced by contemporary methods is the overall view of the region does indicate that this place is comparatively small and is located within the “navel” of the surrounding ocean currents and at the center of the “eye” of the prevailing wind patterns or vice versa. A similar situation with the winds and current exists at the much larger island chains and other two points of the Polynesian triangle across the Pacific Ocean with Hawaii in the Northwest and New Zealand in the Southwest. Polynesian legends are a form of history which provided a layering of interpretations with specific meanings dependent upon the audience. Ancient Polynesians had their owned skilled craftsmen and guilds with their own set of “trade secrets” In an environment where knowledge was passed from generation to generation by “word of mouth,” not only did retold stories relate the obvious but would often have additional underlying meanings like genealogy, trade agreements/routes, star charts, and socio-politics. Without a deeper understanding of the culture, the ability of the Polynesians for mathematics and geospatial recognition was overlooked. Modern scientific discoveries including plant and human genetics have proven the people of the Pacific and Americas did interact with meaningful purpose over vast distances. They did understand where they were, where they were going, and what they wanted to do.

Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

There are few places in the world that have maintained as much intrigue, fascination, and interest like the remote island in the Pacific Ocean located at 27°9′0″S and 109°25.5′0″W. Paasch-Eyland, Isla de Pascua, Easter Island, Rapa Nui, Rapa Iti, Te pito o te henua, Te pito o te kainga a Hau Maka, are a few of the names which have been used to refer to this island oasis depending on the perspective and time in history. On Easter Day, April 5, 1722, Jacob Roggeveen became the first known European visitor and gave it the Dutch name of Paasch-Eyland which translates to Isla de Pascua in Spanish and Easter Island in English, a name indicative of the holiday discovery. During the slave raids of the early 1860’s, the island began to be referenced by the inhabitants with the Polynesian name of Rapa Nui. Later Thor Hyerdahl documented it to be Rapa Iti. The similar names referring to the original island and people of Rapa, a distant location in the Austral Islands group of Western Polynesia. The more recent names uncovered and published which seem to have a viable origin and carry the greatest cultural significance would be Te pito o te henua by Alphonse Pinart in 1877 and Te pito o te kainga a Hau Maka by Thomas S. Barthel in 1974 with Pinart’s translation being, “the Navel of the World” and Barthel’s being, “the Little piece of Land of Hau Maka.” Considering “pito” or “piko” could translate to mean naval or small and “Maka” or mata could be a family name or referring to the eyes, it is difficult to know beyond -doubt precisely what was meant.