THE QUEST FOR INFORMATION RETRIEVAL: AN INSCRIBED RELIC FROM ANCIENT RAPA NUI (EASTER ISLAND) – Part I

Abstract

In Part I of this article (Melka and Schoch 2021), 1 we described an antique wooden artifact from Easter Island, known as the “ Lutz – Terasaki fragment”, that bears a single rongorongo glyph. Here we focus further on the “ Lutz – Terasaki fragment”, gleaning as much evidence as we can by resorting to a complex analysis. The ethno-linguistic, epigraphic, and xylological data point – thus far – toward the remains of an artifact of utilitarian and/or ritualistic scope. In order to exhaust every potentiality regarding the “ Lutz – Terasaki fragment” and the meaning of the glyph that it bears, we must consider similar contexts that may appear in the future if other artifacts are located bearing the same or a similar glyph. It is acknowledged that in the absence of new corroborating evidence, even the best - formed hypotheses concerning rongorongo glyphs and sequences may stretch too thin and, quite often, be summarily dismissed or simply ignored. Continuing investigation and rational conversation with scholars of Rapa Nui, we have found to our profit, are efficacious ways to respond to hypothetical settings. To suggest otherwise would be highly arguable or erroneous.