The Ancient Astronomy of Easter Island: Canopus and the Legendary King Hotu-Matua

TL;DR

This study explores the astronomical practices of ancient Easter Islanders, focusing on Canopus and other celestial bodies, decoding rongorongo records, and offering new interpretations of cultural artifacts related to their star observations.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the star observation practices, deciphered rongorongo texts, and cultural interpretations linking astronomy and mythology on Easter Island.

Findings

Canopus was observed during early voyages to Easter Island.

Deciphered rongorongo records related to star watching and mythology.

Connected a painted barkcloth figurine to the bird-man cult and star observations.

Abstract

Watchings of Canopus as a herald of the winter were important duties of ancient priests-astronomers on Easter Island. All the analysed data witness that this star was observed during the first and second voyages from Mangareva to the island. The names of king Hotu-Matua (Anua-Motua) and his father Tara tahi have been decoded. Several rongorongo records from the Esteban Atan manuscript have been deciphered advantageously. The new view at a painted barkcloth figurine connected with the bird-man cult has been offered. Some data about watchings of Aldebaran, the Pleiades, the sun, the moon, Venus and Mars have been collected as well.