Moai, Stone statues in Rapa Nui, Chile
The Moai are monolithic stone figures standing along the coast of Easter Island, ranging from 4 to 10 meters in height. They were carved from volcanic rock and display varying styles and sizes depending on where they were made.
The Rapa Nui people began settling around 1200, and carved most of these figures between 1250 and 1500 from a quarry site. This era represented the peak of monument-making on the island.
Each statue represents a deceased leader whose face was carved to preserve the memory of that person for the community.
The statues are spread across the entire island, with the largest concentration at the Rano Raraku quarry and along coastal platforms. Walking or taking a guided tour to visit different locations is the best way to see multiple figures.
Many of these statues originally had coral eyes with pupils made from obsidian or red stone, giving them an intense gaze. Researchers discovered this eye design long after most figures had already been standing without them.
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