Ethnology of Easter Island

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June 26, 2026

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Ethnology is the comparative and analytical study of cultures, a branch of cultural anthropology. Alfred Métraux, a Swiss anthropologist, conducted significant research in this field. Following an expedition to Easter Island, Métraux published "Ethnology of Easter Island" (1940). In this work, he argued that the island's inhabitants were Polynesian in both culture and physical appearance. He also contended that the island's famous monolithic sculptures were created by the indigenous population, not by external influences from Asia or Native American cultures.12

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Alfred Métraux
In two works, Ethnology of Easter Island (1940) and L’Île de Pâques (1935; Easter Island), he argued that Easter Island’s indigenous population is Polynesian, both culturally and physically, and that the island’s well-known monolithic sculptures are native creations rather than Asian or American Indian ones.
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In two works, Ethnology of Easter Island (1940) and L’Île de Pâques (1935; Easter Island), he argued that Easter Island’s indigenous population is Polynesian, both culturally and physically, and that the island’s well-known monolithic sculptures are native creations rather than Asian or American Indian ones.
Read More