69. EASTER ISLAND: MYSTERIES OF A LOST WORLD

Rapa Nui.  Easter Island.  since the first outsiders laid eyes on the maoi statues, the place has been revered as one of the most intriguing on earth.  how were they carved and moved?  why were they made in the first place?  and, what happened to the peoples and culture of the island?  dr. jago cooper, the narrator, proposed many theories, many of which surround eco-suicide; the idea that the residents deforested the land while creating the heads, then resorted to cannibalism when they were starving.  but, in fact, while the theories are still diverse, archeological evidence supports that these people understood their volcanic land, they used the rocks not only to create large heads, but to manage erosion, channel water, create small agricultural ecosystems, and live full and prosperous lives.  there is no doubt the population dwindled, and by late 1800's numbered only 111, with only 38 offspring.  all the native rapa nui are related to those 38. it seems most likely that early explorers brought disease to the people, who had never seen outsiders ever before, much less been exposed to germs and viruses from outside their world.   the island is in an environmental revival, but currently gets every bit of it's sustenance by plane.  the local population is at odds with the chile government, who have legal authority over the island.  there are very few concrete answers to the questions raised in the film.  however, the photography in the film is impressive and since the story is mostly told through narration by dr. cooper, there is plenty of footage shown of the island geography and cultural heads.
one thing i was most fascinated by is that the heads face the island, and were once nearly all downed.  some thought  by violence, but this film suggests they were laid down purposefully....a sign that the islanders were disenchanted with the lack of protection provided by the gods, in the wake of disease and death?  recent efforts have righted a large number of the heads, which stand as impressive silhouettes to the face of easter island--rapa nui.  so, easter island remains a mystery for the most part.......certainly one that i would love to have the chance to explore!