Aku Aku by Thor Heyerdahl (Vintage 1965 Edition)

Description

“Aku-Aku: The Secret of Easter Island” is a book written by Norwegian explorer and ethnographer Thor Heyerdahl, published in 1958. The book is an account of Heyerdahl’s archaeological expedition to Easter Island (Rapa Nui) in the South Pacific. The title “Aku-Aku” refers to the name of a guardian spirit or protective force in Rapa Nui mythology.

In “Aku-Aku,” Thor Heyerdahl and his team embarked on an ambitious journey to Easter Island to investigate the mysteries surrounding the island’s famous moai statues and the culture of its indigenous people. The book provides detailed descriptions of their archaeological excavations, discoveries, and interactions with the island’s inhabitants. Heyerdahl aimed to shed light on the history and cultural connections of Easter Island, particularly its possible links to South America.

The book delves into the various theories about how the massive stone statues were created and transported across the island, and it explores the history and traditions of the Rapa Nui people. Heyerdahl’s work on Easter Island was groundbreaking and added valuable insights to the understanding of the island’s history and the enigma of the moai statues.

“Aku-Aku” was well-received and contributed to Heyerdahl’s reputation as an adventurer and researcher. It remains an important work in the field of archaeology and anthropology, shedding light on the mysteries of Easter Island and its ancient civilization.