The Decay: A Sad & Cautionary Tale

No one on the island ever thought their abundant resources would ever run out. So when it became apparent that all the trees were quickly disappearing (whether used for moving moai or cut for homes and boats) it was too late to take action. Without

boats to fish and resources for housing, the Rapa Nui  tribes

ultimately turned on each other and their monarchy. Many moai were toppled in efforts to make their rival tribes less powerful. Their population, once over 10,000 began to dwindle. Their religious norms went out the window and the Rapa Nui turned to an odd event to determine their leadership- the annual birdman competition. Each tribe selects one young male member to represent them in the competition requiring the competitors gather in Orango village to swim to a nearby island, climb a cliff wall to the top of the island, find a bird egg and safely ferry it back to the village. The first to accomplish this feat is named "birdman" and serves as leader for a year.

But, off in a cave nestled into a seaside cliff at the other end of the island, girls have been secluded for most of their young lives. They were taught by elders and kept in the dark cave so their skin remain light. A bride (or brides) are selected to be married to the birdman in hopes of delivering numerous offspring to add to the tribe.

As if deforestation, infighting and pagan rituals weren't enough, along came the Peruvian slave traders. Eager for workers in their mines, they took over 1,800 Rapa Nui and through disease and neglect, killed all but 150. Missionaries secured their return but by the time they completed the arduous journey home, only 15 survived. These survivors brought disease to the island, killing off all but 110 Rapa Nui. Once again, immigration of new settlers was key to their survival.