Easter Island Moai

The Moai are large stone statues found on Easter Island, created by the Rapa Nui people between the 13th and 16th centuries. Carved from volcanic tuff, these statues typically depict elongated faces, prominent noses, and deep eye sockets, standing up to 40 feet tall and weighing several tons. The Moai are believed to represent ancestors or important figures, serving as spiritual protectors for the community. They were transported and erected using sophisticated techniques, reflecting the islanders' impressive craftsmanship and social organization. Today, the Moai symbolize the island's cultural heritage and its peoples' remarkable ingenuity.