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The Long-Eared People of Easter Island |
In 1772, when Dutch explorer Rogewe set foot on Easter Island (Easter refers to the Resurrection), he was astonished to discover not only the awe-inspiring statues but also a population comprised of two very distinct groups: One of them was undoubtedly the indigenous Polynesians, the largest population; two were white people, with hair ranging from reddish to blonde. They adorned their elongated earlobes with ornaments measuring 10-15 cm, giving them the appearance of having long ears, leading the locals to refer to them as “Long-Eared People.”
These Long-Eared individuals formed the warrior class of the kingdom. According to the legends of the Easter Island inhabitants, their ancestors arrived very early, 55 generations prior to the Dutch expedition, around 400 AD, coming from the East. The Polynesians (Short-Eared People) arrived from the Western Polynesia, 22 generations earlier than the Dutch discovery. Due to the amicable treatment by the Long-Eared people, the two races coexisted peacefully for a long time. However, cultural differences, lifestyle discrepancies, and varying demands eventually led to conflicts and wars. Ultimately, the Polynesians emerged victorious and eliminated the Long-Eared people. This occurred between the years 1660 and 1700 AD.
“The Long-Eared People”, numbering around 1,000, left a significant mark on Easter Island: colossal stone statues, roads, caves carved into solid rock, and an astronomical observatory on Lanocan mountain, a monumental construction that is daunting to consider, even for modern perspectives.
According to ancient legends on the island, there were a group of Vilacohas (the flying people) who landed in this very place. This is also the reason why they have a special reverence for “bird people.” On Lanocan mountain, many rocks have been found carved with depictions of beings with bird-like heads and long wings, or a bizarre species with elongated heads and large round eyes.
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The Long-Eared People of Easter Island |
The legends mentioning Vilacohas may also provide archaeologists with clues about this race. Inca legends state that the God of Old Age, Vilacohas, created the world in a place devoid of sunlight. He used stone to carve a group of giant beings, and when these giants angered him, he submerged them in deep waters, ensuring they would never escape. Afterwards, he caused the Sun and Moon to rise from Lake Titicaca, bringing light to our Earth. Additionally, he introduced artistic language to teach about the creations he had made, distributing them to various places on land. After completing his tasks, this God of Old Age disguised himself as an old man traversing the Andes mountains and along the coast to check if his teachings were being followed and the results of their implementation.
The God Vilacohas, disguised as an old man, traveled through the Andes and along the coast, only to continuously receive harsh treatment, which made him furious and intent on destroying everything. Seeing this situation, the people hurriedly prayed for his forgiveness, and he put out the flames of his wrath.
To show their gratitude, the people built numerous shrines everywhere. Later, he vanished into the sea, promising that he would return. When Spanish colonizers arrived in this land, they heard many legends about the return of the Sun God.
