The settlers of Rapa Nui, known for their iconic stone statues, are often blamed for causing ecological and social disasters due to overpopulation. However, a recent study challenges this narrative, suggesting that the Polynesian seafarers who arrived on the island around 800 years ago maintained a modest farming system and a stable population of around 3,900 individuals until the arrival of Europeans in 1722.
Archaeologists like Dylan Davis and his team from Columbia University argue that the idea of an “ecocide” event caused by overpopulation is not supported by historical evidence. Early European accounts suggest that the population of Rapa Nui was around 3,000 people, which aligns with the new study’s estimate.
Despite these findings, some researchers believe that the data used in the study may not be sufficient to draw definitive conclusions about the island’s agricultural practices and population capacity. Limited knowledge about farming techniques and crop diversity on Rapa Nui makes it challenging to estimate the exact number of early settlers.
Previous studies have used various methods to estimate the agricultural potential of the island, including the use of satellite data to identify rock gardens where crops like sweet potatoes were grown. While the new study conducted by Davis and his team used ground surveys and machine learning models to identify rock gardens, some experts argue that the study may have underestimated the extent of these cultivation areas.
Archaeologists like Christopher Stevenson from Virginia Commonwealth University suggest that the new study did not consider all rock gardens on the island, potentially leading to an underestimation of the island’s population capacity. Meanwhile, researchers like Sarah Sherwood and Jo Anne Van Tilburg point out that other cultivation practices, such as those found at inland sites with fertile soil, may have contributed to agricultural productivity.
Despite these differing opinions, it is clear that advanced satellite imagery and continued investigations into cultivation areas on Rapa Nui will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the island’s pre-contact population. While the debate continues among experts, one thing remains certain – the history of Easter Island and its early inhabitants is a complex and fascinating subject that requires further research and exploration.
