Thor Heyerdahl, the Norwegian explorer and anthropologist, supported his claim that Peruvians were the first to settle on Easter Island (Rapa Nui) through a combination of archaeological evidence, historical linguistics, and his own expeditions. Here are some key points he presented in support of his theory:
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Canoe Experimentation: Heyerdahl famously sailed from South America to Easter Island on a raft called the Kon-Tiki, using traditional Incan techniques and materials. This expedition was intended to demonstrate that it was possible for ancient Peruvians to travel across the ocean to Polynesia, suggesting that such voyages could have occurred in prehistoric times.
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Cultural Similarities: Heyerdahl pointed out various cultural similarities between the pre-Columbian civilizations of South America, particularly the Incas, and the Easter Island inhabitants. He noted similarities in agricultural practices, boat construction techniques, and certain ceremonial practices, which he argued indicated a connection between the two cultures.
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Linguistic Evidence: He also investigated linguistic connections, suggesting that certain words in the language of the Rapa Nui people bore resemblance to those in Quechua, the language of the Incas, potentially indicating direct contact or shared origins.
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Archaeological Findings: Throughout his research, Heyerdahl highlighted artifacts and structures on Easter Island that he believed mirrored those found in Peru, further supporting his claim that there were cultural exchanges between these regions.
While Heyerdahl's ideas were controversial and faced significant criticism from many scholars who argued for a Polynesian origin for the Rapa Nui people, his work highlighted the possibilities of trans-oceanic contact and sparked further interest and research into the complex history of Easter Island and its people.