Archeological Controversy

Alternative archeological theories, ranging from ideas explaining Atlantis to Stonehenge, are both intriguing and rather creative. However, the validity of such claims can be discussed, argued and explored. Investigating how reputable these ideas actually are when compared to legitimate archeological evidence is rather interesting. Easter Island is often described as the most remote place on earth. It is an isolated volcanic island located in Polynesia whose native name is Rapa Nui. This island is a prime example of this type of archeological controversy. Alternative and mainstream archeological theories, that begin to explain both its first inhabitants and the giant stone figures located on the island, are widespread. The presence of nearly …show more content…
The Polynesians were skilled navigators and fully equipped with the skills necessary to reach Easter Island. Polynesian mariners developed advanced seafaring technology far prior to their western contemporaries. They sailed robust and durable “vaka” which are double-hulled canoes reaching 100 feet or more in length and massive sea rafts. For several decades there have been experiments to re-create these vessels and go on voyaging routes. Through these expeditions researchers have found that Polynesian boats could have survived for thousands of miles through rough seas due to their study design and spectacular construction. Additionally computer programs using sophisticated level analysis have taken data on winds, currents, ancient navigation skills, and other factors and have been used to demonstrate that Polynesian migration was definitely plausible. It is also clear that once on the island the culture that was developed has strong parallels to the Polynesian cultures from which it evolved and in addition distinctive features of its own. The most striking of the features would be the enormous basalt statues. Some of the stonework however fits a pattern of Polynesian cultural