When the Universe was an Island (Book: Rapa Nui, Easter Island, Isla de Pascua)

The hundreds of monolithic statues crafted by the Rapanui are an extraordinary example of human ingenuity, and several theories have been postulated regarding the origins and evolution of this remarkable culture. Edmundo and Alexandra Edwards have spent a lifetime living and carrying out scientific research on Rapa Nui, and in this volume they comprehensively survey the ethnography, mythology, and archaeology of Rapa Nui from the origins of the Rapanui people all the way to the fall of the Bird-man Cult at the end of the XIX century. Complemented by 117 illustrations, the authors bring to life the history of enigmatic Rapa Nui, providing fresh updated answers to some of the most persistent questions, all the while reminding us that the truth is a hundred times more fascinating than the false shroud of mystery and speculation that usually accompanies this subject.EDMUNDO EDWARDS - Edmundo's passion for archaeology started when he was 12 years old and discovered golden artifacts in a pre-Incan site in northern Chile. After visiting Rapa Nui in 1957, he became enthralled by Rapanui culture and returned to the island in 1960 to work with on the restoration of Ahu Akivi. He has lived and worked in Polynesia ever since. Edmundo is the co-founder of The Pacific Islands Research Institute (PIRI) and in 2011 the Explorers Club honored him with the Lowell Thomas Award for his exceptional contribution to human knowledge.ALEXANDRA EDWARDS - A Latin-American Studies and Film major from Wesleyan University, Alexandra has been carrying out archaeological fieldwork and ethnographic studies in Oceania since 1995. She has participated in 4 Explorers Club Flag expeditions, collaborating in documentaries filmed in Chile, Easter Island, Papua New Guinea, Raivavae, and the Society and Marquesas Islands. Alexandra currently works for the Pacific Islands Research Institute and is particularly interested in the religious and cultural syncretism present in Oceania today.