Easter Island (Isla Pascua)Photos, Pictures, Prints

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Gods and Destruction

Easter Island (also known as both Rapa Nui and Isla de Pascua) is a Chilean island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. Remote and mysterious, the island marks the southeasternmost point of the Polynesian Triangle.

Here, 887 monumental statues called moai stand testament to the island’s former glory. Between 700 and 1100 AD, Polynesian people settled this island, and created a thriving culture. These people called themselves the Rapa Nui. However, by the time Europeans arrived, the culture had already gone through a process of decline. In fact, this island symbolizes to many humanity’s weakness. This is because human habitation brought rats and agriculture, as well as man’s inherent egotism. Like so many people throughout the world, the Rapa Nui didn’t think to conserve their environment until it was too late.

The island is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. It’s a volcanic high island, consisting mainly of three extinct coalesced volcanoes: Terevaka, Poike and Rano Kau.

Though the island was once densely forested, today grass covers vast swaths of land. For this reason, visitors can see the moai from miles away. These proud gods gaze at the ocean. Perhaps wondering when the next Hokule’a will arrive from Tahiti. Their world is long gone, but their mystery remains.

Explore with Cornforth Images.