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Rongorongo is a system of glyphs discovered in the 19th century on Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui. It is believed to be a form of writing or proto-writing, though its nature and meaning remain largely undeciphered. The glyphs are typically found inscribed on wooden tablets, bones, and other artifacts.

The Rongorongo script consists of hundreds of distinct symbols, many of which appear to represent natural elements like animals, plants, and humans, as well as abstract shapes. These symbols are arranged in horizontal lines, read from left to right, and then reversed in alternate lines, a reading direction known as boustrophedon.

Several hypotheses exist regarding the origin and purpose of Rongorongo. Some scholars suggest it was an independent invention, possibly developed by the Rapa Nui people to record genealogies, myths, or historical events. Others propose it may have been influenced by external contact or was a mnemonic device rather than a fully developed writing system capable of expressing complex language.

Despite numerous attempts by linguists and epigraphers, no definitive decipherment of Rongorongo has been achieved. The limited number of surviving artifacts, the lack of a Rosetta Stone-like bilingual text, and the historical disruption of Rapa Nui culture have posed significant challenges to understanding the script. The mystery of Rongorongo continues to fascinate researchers and the public alike, representing one of the world's most enduring linguistic enigmas.