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.