A collaborative team comprising philologists, chemists, environmental physicists, and engineers from various European institutions has unveiled a compelling revelation regarding the ancient wooden tablets of Easter Island. Published in the esteemed journal Scientific Reports, their groundbreaking study sheds new light on the enigmatic Rongorongo script, a previously undeciphered writing system believed to be indigenous to the island.
Upon the arrival of Europeans on Easter Island, they encountered not only the iconic stone statues but also native inhabitants and intricately carved wooden tablets bearing mysterious scripts. Despite the disappearance of oral traditions and the island’s original inhabitants—many of whom fell victim to disease, enslavement, or violence—the legacy of these enigmatic writings endured.
Traditionally attributed to outsiders whose carvings were brought to Easter Island by European sailors, the newfound evidence challenges this narrative. Through meticulous analysis, the research team revisited the wooden tablets, unveiling compelling evidence of their indigenous origin—a testament to the islanders’ ingenuity in developing their own written language.
Known as Rongorongo, the script captivated European explorers in the late 1800s with its intricate symbols, which were found to depict various elements of daily life, including human anatomy, animals, and tools. While previous attempts to date the tablets yielded inconclusive results, the team’s innovative approach utilized radiocarbon dating to unveil new insights.
By radiocarbon-dating four additional tablets stored in a museum in Rome, Italy, the researchers made a pivotal discovery. While three tablets were crafted from wood sourced after the arrival of Europeans, the fourth tablet originated from a tree felled two centuries before their arrival—tracing its roots to South Africa.
The revelation of non-native wood suggests a remarkable journey, likely propelled by ocean currents or perhaps even a maritime mishap such as a shipwreck. Remarkably, the islanders repurposed this foreign timber, carving their native language onto its surface, thereby transcending geographical boundaries to preserve their cultural heritage.
This latest revelation not only deepens our understanding of Easter Island’s ancient inhabitants but also underscores the resilience and adaptability of human civilizations in the face of adversity. As the Rongorongo script continues to intrigue scholars and enthusiasts alike, its decipherment promises to unlock a treasure trove of insights into the island’s rich cultural tapestry.