Easter Island, over 2,000 miles from Chile, was settled around AD 1200 by the Rapa Nui who created large head statues. A study suggests it was not completely isolated; instead, it received multiple waves of settlers from central East Polynesia. The Polynesians used double canoes for ocean travel. Traditional views of isolation are challenged by evidence of shared ritual practices and monumental structures across Polynesia. Ahu stone platforms, similar to those on Easter Island, were built on other Polynesian islands, indicating cultural connections during the past 800 years.
Easter Island was settled from central East Polynesia around AD 1200-1250. The Polynesians were skilled sailors so double canoes were used.
The huge human figures carved from volcanic rock were placed on rectangular stone platforms called 'ahu' - essentially tombs for the people that the statues represented.
Archaeological data and radiocarbon dates show that similar ritual practices and monumental structures have been observed across Polynesia.
Ahu stone platforms were historically constructed at Polynesian islands further to the west, indicating connections among these regions.
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