A recent study challenges the long-standing myth that the ancient rock gardening practices of Easter Islanders led to their own downfall. The study, titled “Island-wide characterization of agricultural production challenges the demographic collapse hypothesis for Rapa Nui,” was published in Science Advances and sheds new light on the history of Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui.
The popular belief has been that the Easter Islanders’ focus on rock farming and the construction of massive stone statues led to a catastrophic population collapse. However, the study reveals that the practice of rock gardening actually enhanced soil productivity by increasing soil nutrients and maintaining moisture, ultimately benefiting plant growth.
Using satellite imagery and machine learning, researchers determined that the island’s population was likely smaller than previously claimed, challenging the notion that the population drastically declined over time. The study estimates that the maximum population supported by rock gardening was significantly lower than previously thought, with just 3901 individuals, as opposed to the previously claimed 17,000.
Despite the new research findings, the myth of Easter Island’s demise due to unsustainable resource use and population growth remains popular outside of academia. The study’s authors acknowledge that while many researchers have shifted their narratives away from the idea of a pre-European collapse, the story continues to be prominent in various disciplines.
This study provides a fresh perspective on the history of Easter Island and challenges the prevailing narrative surrounding the island’s ancient civilization.
