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Moai (Easter Island)

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description Moai (Easter Island) Overview

The Moai are colossal stone statues created by the Rapa Nui people on Easter Island (Rapa Nui). These figures, ranging from 13 to over 36 feet tall, represent ancestors and were central to religious beliefs. Constructed between 1250 and 1500 CE, they demonstrate advanced engineering skills and provide insight into the culture and societal organization of this Polynesian community. Archaeologists, historians, and those interested in ancient civilizations study these monuments.

help Moai (Easter Island) FAQ

How were the Easter Island Moai statues transported across the island?

Archaeologists believe the Rapa Nui people moved the massive statues using a 'walking' method, rocking them from side to side with ropes. By the time European explorers arrived in the 18th century, the roughly 1,000 carved Moai had largely been toppled.

Do the Moai statues only consist of the giant heads we see above ground?

While many people recognize the iconic heads, excavations have revealed that the Moai actually have full bodies buried deep beneath the soil. These bodies feature intricate carvings and petroglyphs that were etched into the rock between roughly 1250 and 1500 CE.

What material was used to carve the majority of the Moai statues?

Most of the monolithic figures were carved from compressed volcanic ash, known as tuff, quarried from a single site called Rano Raraku. A smaller number of the statues were carved from much harder basalt or trachyte.

What is the tallest Moai ever discovered on Easter Island?

The largest upright Moai ever successfully raised, known as 'Paro,' measures nearly 33 feet tall and weighs an estimated 82 tons. Most of the nearly 1,000 statues on the island average around 13 feet tall.

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