ABSTRACT
Prehistory is an observational science. That is to say, it is based on the assembly of observations from a variety of sources. These include archaeology as a principal source, providing observations by the excavation of previous locations of human dwellings or other activity. Palynology, among the sciences contributing to prehistory, has held pride of place in environmental reconstructions for a long time, especially since aided by radiocarbon dating. This chapter is about the subsequent re-dating and interpretation of the Rano Kau 2 core, which has proved extremely rewarding. It was especially appropriate because it covered all likely settlement dates for the island. The volcanic hypothesis for the origins of charcoal in the core deserves serious consideration on a totally volcanic island. Most writers discussing the population growth of Rapa Nui have envisaged a fairly steady growth rather than an alteration of growth and decline.
