Easter Island's mysterious script: Did it develop its own writing system before Europe?

Easter Island's ancient rongorongo script likely developed independently and may predate the arrival of Europeans, according to a new study.

About Easter Island

• It is a Chilean island located in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
• Locals call it Rapa Nui and it is one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the world.
• In 1722, Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen discovered it on Easter Sunday, hence the name "Easter Island."
• It has a tropical climate.
• The island has three dormant volcanoes – Terevaka, Poike, and Rano Kau.
• There is no permanent river, but there are three crater lakes – Rano Aroi, Rano Raraku, and Rano Kau.
• It is known for its famous Moai statues.
• UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site.

What are Moai statues ?

• These are colossal stone statues created by the Rapa Nui people.
• They resemble large human heads and are erected on stone platforms.
• Some statues have a hat-like structure (pukao) made of red stone.
• They are believed to have been created between the 13th and 16th centuries and symbolize ancestors.

What is Rongorongo ?

• It is an ancient script, consisting of symbols carved on wooden tablets.
• The script has not yet been fully deciphered.
• It was first observed by Europeans in 1864.
• Its style is different from European writing, so it is believed to have developed locally.