
Statues of Easter Island
The Moai statues of Easter Island are massive stone figures carved by the Rapa Nui people between the 13th and 16th centuries. They primarily depict human faces with elongated features and are set on stone platforms called ahu. These statues are believed to represent ancestors or important figures, serving as spiritual symbols and markers of clan identity. Carving and transporting such large monoliths demonstrated advanced craftsmanship and social organization, though the exact purpose remains a subject of study. Today, the Moai are iconic symbols of Easter Island's cultural heritage and archaeological significance.