Researchers at the ceremonial village of Orongo on Rapa Nui (Easter Island) have unearthed a collection of soot-stained basalt tools and specialized pigments near the famous Birdman petroglyphs. These tools were used to maintain the sacred stone houses and carve the imagery associated with the Tangata Manu (Birdman) spring festival, which replaced ancestor worship as the island's primary religious tradition.
New carbon dating of the organic residues on the tools places the peak of these activities in the 17th century, providing a clearer timeline for the cultural shift on the island. The findings highlight the resilience of the Rapa Nui people and their ability to innovate new cultural traditions and festivals in response to environmental challenges.