News Genetics

Easter Islanders sailed to Americas, DNA suggests

Sea crossings occurred well before European contact, genetics of present-day people indicates

Easter Island statue

HEAD EAST  People living on Easter Island, known for its carved giant stone statues,  sailed to and from the Americas before Europeans reached their South Pacific home, new genetic evidence suggests.

Natalia Solar

By Bruce Bower

- More than 2 years ago

The massive stone heads on Easter Island don’t stare out to sea, but perhaps they should.