The Moai are huge stone sculptures on Easter Island, made from compressed volcanic ash. They represent living ancestors and chieftains of the original inhabitants. The largest sculpture is 33 meters high and weighs 10 tons. The method used to move them is similar to the Egyptian method used to build the pyramids. The Moai are one of the most breathtaking sights in the world.
The Moai are huge stone sculptures found on the most isolated island in the world. Easter Island, where the Moai are found, is a stretch of volcanic rock located in the South Pacific. The island was known as Te Pito O Te Henua by its inhabitants, which means “navel of the world”.
Easter Island got its name from Admiral Roggeveen, who found the island on Easter Day 1722. Moai are huge monolithic sculptures that dot the island’s shoreline. Rapa Nui is the local name given to Easter Island, its people and their language.
Moai statues were made from compressed volcanic ash and each statue was carved in one large piece. Moai carvings consist of partial heads and torsos that rise above the ground. Between 600 and 800 engravings are thought to be visible on the island.
The height and weight of the Moai are truly staggering. The largest sculpture is about 33 meters high and weighs 10 tons. The Moai were all carved in quarries, and there are some unfinished carvings still evident in the quarries.
There are many myths and legends about Maoi. Once the source claims that they were the work of extraterrestrials. A more credible theory is that they were made by Polynesian settlers thousands of years ago. They are thought to represent living ancestors and chieftains of the original inhabitants.
The task of moving the carvings to their final destinations must have required a supreme effort on the part of the islanders. The method used is thought to be similar to the Egyptian method used to build the pyramids. Ropes, rollers and human strength would have been all that was needed to move these huge figures.
A recent discovery of the Moai concerns the carving of the eyes. An overturned statue found in the sand was found to have coral embedded in its eye sockets. Some of the Moai also have red stone cylinders placed on their heads.
Whatever the reason for the Moai, they are said to be one of the most breathtaking sights in the world. Easter Island itself has one of the most unique and amazing landscapes anywhere to be seen. Beautiful beaches, brilliant azure waters and incredible volcanic formations await you in one of the most remote places in the world.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
