Abstract
Easter Island, Rapa Nui or Te pito o te henua, is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean halfway between South America and Oceania, constituting one of the most isolated places on the planet. It was colonized by Polynesians at the end of the first millennium of the Christian era, thus becoming one of the extremes of the Polynesian triangle. The island is of volcanic origin, has a small surface area (166 km 2 ) and limited resources, and gave rise to a culture that is unique in the world, recognized internationally for its numerous megalithic constructions and large moai. Just as it was discovered and colonized by sea, the development and sustainability of the island is closely related to the ocean that surrounds it. The objective of this article is to describe the sailing and fishing techniques used by the Easter Islanders, or rapanuis, and their use of marine organisms prior to contact with Europeans, demonstrating their inventiveness and adaptation to the specific characteristics of this small territory.
Highlights
It is considered one of the most isolated places in the world, which motivates the interest in its history, evolution, and the enigma of its numerous megalithic sculptures
It is clear that the colonization of the island represented a historic landmark. It is a source of pride for Chile to possess a land of such archeological richness, with characteristics that are unique in the world, and a people who, despite all the limitations imposed by their surroundings, have preserved their culture and tradition
Easter Island is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean (27o07’S, 109o22’W), half way between America and Polynesia
Summary
RESUMEN: La Isla de Pascua, Rapa Nui o Te pito o te henua se encuentra en medio del océano Pacífico a mitad de camino entre Sudamérica y Oceanía, constituyendo uno de los lugares más aislados del planeta. Fue colonizado por polinesios a finales del primer milenio de la era cristiana, conformando uno de los extremos del triángulo de la Polinesia. Así como fue colonizada y descubierta por mar, el desarrollo y sustentabilidad de esta isla está asociado al océano que la circunda. Este artículo tiene como objetivo describir las embarcaciones y técnicas de pesca utilizadas por los pascuenses o rapanuis, así como el uso que le daban a los organismos marinos previo a su contacto con los europeos, demostrando su inventiva y adaptación a las especiales características de ese pequeño territorio. Palabras clave: embarcaciones, métodos de pesca, alimentos marinos, Isla de Pascua, Chile
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
