This book addresses the main enigmas of Easter Island’s (Rapa Nui, in the Polynesian language) prehistory from the time of initial settlement to European contact with a multidisciplinary perspective. The main topics include: (i) the time of first settlement and the origin of the first settlers; (ii) the main features of prehistoric Rapanui culture and their changes; (iii) the deforestation of the island and its timing and causes; (iv) the extinction of the indigenous biota, (v) the occurrence of climatic shifts and their potential effects on socioecological trends; (vi) the evidence for a cultural and demographic collapse before European contact; and (vii) the influence of Europeans on prehistoric Rapanui society. The book is subdivided into thematic sections and each chapter is written by renowned specialists in disciplines such as archaeology, anthropology, paleoecology, ethnography, linguistics, ethnobotany, phylogenetics/phylogeography and history. Contributors have been invited to provide an open and objective vision that includes as many views as possible on the topics considered. In this way, the readers may be able to compare different of points of view and make their own interpretations on each of the subjects considered. The book is intended for a wide audience including graduate students, advanced undergraduate students, university teachers and researchers interested in the subject. Given its multidisciplinary character and the topics included, the book is suitable for students and researchers from a wide range of disciplines and interests.

This book is published by Floricanto Press. www.FloricantoPress.com www.LatinoBooks.Net #LatinoBooks.com This a photographic, historical, and contemporary description of the island. Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island and Isla de Pascua, has long been said by natives to be at the navel of the Earth. The people of Easter Island knew of no others for hundreds of years and built their society and belief system until contacted by the outside world in 1722. It is still unknown if the social collapse that followed was from a natural disaster, forced by the human contact or more than likely as a result of a combination of the two. In the center of the South Pacific Ocean, Rapa Nui is located 2,191 miles west of the coast of Chile, South America in the center of the Pacific Ocean. Some 2,704 miles northeast of Tahiti, the island remains even today the most isolated inhabited land on the planet. Today, 7,750 people live on Easter Island. A territory of Chile, many who live on the Island consider themselves Rapanui before Chilean. Spanish is the language spoken by most, but the almost lost language of the island is taught in schools and families to bring the pride of the native islanders to the front. Note that the island and native language is "Rapa Nui" and the people of the island are "Rapanui." Denis O'Leary has been an educator for nearly three decades and long served in civil rights organizations as well as been an elected school Trustee for sixteen of those years. Denis O'Leary has authored fascinating books that reflect respect for diverse Latin American cultures such as Alba Walking in the Shadows, Esteban's Caravan, children's books about César Chávez and Grandpa's Short Handled Hoe. It is no wonder that when Mr. O'Leary traveled to the most remote location on Earth, Easter Island, with his wife and son, he wanted to relate what he saw and learned to students and community. Through Denis O'Leary's photography, interactions with Rapanui and research we are shown a whole story of the mysteries and culture that developed over the centuries at the navel of our planet: the island of Rapa Nui, or Easter Island.

Bilingual: English and Spanish- Easter Island, Rapa Nui, Isla de Pascua, Te Pito Ote Henua (the Navel of the World), El Ombligo del Mundo: the names evoke a magical mysterious place. This book aims to show you the archeological masterpieces and the living traditions carried on in a continuum from ancient to modern in the form of the Tapati Festival. The festival is meant to celebrate and carry on the history, customs, lore, dance, song and heritage of Rapa Nui. Pictures were taken at three festivals, 2006, 2012, and 2020. The differences show the changing times and new protections put in place to preserve their heritage. The festival has been traditionally a competition between two candidates for Queen for the year. They are supported by their extended family, who make all costumes, cook for the whole island, make up all the dance and singing groups, and participate in all the competitions. The competitions display cultural and athletic traditions: a triathlon, tapa making, dancing, singing, carving, sliding down a mountain on banana trees, ocean canoeing, horse racing, fishing, and surfing. Tapati Rapa Nui is a celebration of the community of the island. The tradition binds all the people together. This is a photographic essay on Rapa Nui and the Tapati Festival.- -Isla de Pascua, Rapa Nui, Isla de Pascua, Te Pito Ote Henua, El Ombligo del Mundo: los nombres evocan un lugar mágico y misterioso. Este libro tiene como objetivo mostrarle las obras maestras arqueológicas y las tradiciones vivas llevadas a cabo en un continuo de lo antiguo a lo moderno en la forma del Festival Tapati. El festival está destinado a celebrar y continuar con la historia, las costumbres, la tradición, el baile, la canción y el patrimonio de Rapa Nui. Tapati Rapa Nui es una celebración de la comunidad de la isla. La tradición une a todas las personas juntas. Este es un ensayo fotográfico sobre Rapa Nui y el Festival Tapati.

Snow-covered mountains, bustling cities, temperate rainforests, and coastal wineries: get to know this country of contrasts with Moon Chile. Inside you'll find: Flexible itineraries, from two days in Santiago to the two-week best of Chile, including a road trip along the Carretera Austral Strategic advice for outdoor adventurers, backpackers, culture and history buffs, foodies, and more Outdoor adventures: Race down the ski slopes of the Andes, summit active volcanoes, or catch a thrill whitewater rafting down Río Futaleufú. Spend the night star-gazing in the Atacama Desert or wander the enigmatic Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Hike through Patagonia's wild national parks and spot wild foxes and Humboldt penguins Detailed hike descriptions with individual trail maps marked with duration, elevation change, and difficulty level Local flavors and culture: Explore the trendy restaurants and vibrant nightlife of Santiago or savor the catch of the day at a tiny seaside restaurant. Sip your way through the vineyards of the Casablanca Valley, sample locally-made pisco, or let loose with a terremoto cocktail. Get to know Chile's rich culture and history while strolling through charming historic quarters and visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites Insider recommendations from seasoned explorer and Chile expert Steph Dyson on when to go, where to eat, how to get around, and where to stay Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Reliable background information on the landscape, climate, wildlife, and history Handy tips for families, seniors, students, and travelers with disabilities With Moon Chile's practical tips and insider expertise, you can plan your trip your way. Exploring more of South America? Try Moon Patagonia or Moon Machu Picchu.

Bilingual: English & Spanish. Easter Island, Rapa Nui, Isla de Pascua, Te Pito Ote Henua (the Navel of the World), El Ombligo del Mundo: the names evoke a magical mysterious place. This book aims to show you the archeological masterpieces and the living traditions carried on in a continuum from ancient to modern in the form of the Tapati Festival. The festival is meant to celebrate and carry on the history, customs, lore, dance, song and heritage of Rapa Nui. Pictures were taken at three festivals, 2006, 2012, and 2020. The differences show the changing times and new protections put in place to preserve their heritage. The festival has been traditionally a competition between two candidates for Queen for the year. They are supported by their extended family, who make all costumes, cook for the whole island, make up all the dance and singing groups, and participate in all the competitions. The competitions display cultural and athletic traditions: a triathlon, tapa making, dancing, singing, carving, sliding down a mountain on banana trees, ocean canoeing, horse racing, fishing, and surfing. Tapati Rapa Nui is a celebration of the community of the island. The tradition binds all the people together. This is a photographic essay on Rapa Nui and the Tapati Festival. Isla de Pascua, Rapa Nui, Isla de Pascua, Te Pito Ote Henua, El Ombligo del Mundo: los nombres evocan un lugar mágico y misterioso. Este libro tiene como objetivo mostrarle las obras maestras arqueológicas y las tradiciones vivas llevadas a cabo en un continuo de lo antiguo a lo moderno en la forma del Festival Tapati. El festival está destinado a celebrar y continuar con la historia, las costumbres, la tradición, el baile, la canción y el patrimonio de Rapa Nui. Se tomaron fotografías en tres festivales, 2006, 2012 y 2020. Las diferencias muestran los tiempos cambiantes y las nuevas protecciones establecidas para preservar su patrimonio. El festival ha sido tradicionalmente una competencia entre dos candidatas a reina para el año, con el objeto del resguardo historico y cultural de sus habitantes. Cuentan con el apoyo de su extensa familia, que hace todos los disfraces, cocina para toda la isla, compone todos los grupos de baile y canto, y participa en todas las competiciones. Las competiciones muestran tradiciones culturales y deportivas: triatlón, fabricación de tapas, baile, canto, talla, deslizándose por una montaña en los plátanos, piragüismo en el océano, carreras de caballos, pesca y surf. Tapati Rapa Nui es una celebración de la comunidad de la isla. La tradición une a todas las personas juntas. Este es un ensayo fotográfico sobre Rapa Nui y el Festival Tapati.