Easter Island History

 

Mike Pitts’ history of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) and how it was understood 

and misunderstood was published January 27, 2026.

Island at the Edge of the World: The forgotten history of Easter Island primarily views the history of this very remote island in the Pacific Ocean through the history of one couple who spent several years there a little over a century ago. Katherine and Scoresby Routledge were well-known on the island, where they conducted a survey of the famous stone statues and collected oral histories from some of the older inhabitants of the island. Unfortunately, they only managed to publish a small part of their research. In the following decades a great deal of their material was effectively lost, and much misinformation obscured the actual facts about the native islanders and their accomplishments. 

This book is an effort to correct the errors that have accumulated. It’s interesting, though the author frequently offers more detail than an ordinary reader like me might want to absorb. In 1994, a popular film titled “Rapa Nui,” produced by Kevin Costner increased general awarenes of the island. In 2005, a popular book summarized the island’s history: Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed by Jared Diamond. I think this book will contribute to the overall understanding of the island’s history. 

Photo advertising tourism to Easter Island.

Beginning in 1722, when the first European ship stopped at the island, the enormous sculptures by the seemingly primitive inhabitants fascinated voyagers, including the famous Captain Cook and many others. One historic fact that I found very sad is that early explorers noted a variety of birds on the island, but now there are far fewer species — or so says the author. 

In the British Museum

In the British Museum: an Easter Island statue (photographed from various angles).

Fascination with monumental sculptures from Easter Island has lasted for centuries! The sculpture in the above photos was brought to England on the ship HMS Topaze, in 1868. 

The Movie “Rapa Nui”

If you are intrigued by historic mysteries, you might enjoy Mike Pitts’ book. And though I haven’t seen the movie, I found a review written in 1994 by critic Roger Ebert, who wrote: 

“Rapa Nui” slips through the National Geographic Loophole. This is the Hollywood convention which teaches us that brown breasts are not as sinful as white ones, and so while it may be evil to gaze upon a blond Playboy centerfold and feel lust in our hearts, it is educational to watch Polynesian maidens frolicking topless in the surf. This isn’t sex; it’s geography. … 

Concern for my reputation prevents me from recommending this movie. I wish I had more nerve. I wish I could simply write, “Look, of course it’s one of the worst movies ever made. But it has hilarious dialogue, a weirdo action climax, a bizarre explanation for the faces of Easter Island, and dozens if not hundreds of wonderful bare breasts.” I am however a responsible film critic and must conclude that “Rapa Nui” is a bad film. If you want to see it anyway, of course, that’s strictly your concern. I think I may check it out again myself.