Moai Statues : The Silent Sentinels of Rapa Nui
Moai are monolithic human figures carved by the Rapa Nui people on Easter Island (Rapa Nui) in eastern Polynesia. Created between the years 1250 and 1500 CE , these statues are world-famous for their unique minimalist style and the mystery surrounding their transportation and purpose. Physical Characteristics The Moai are characterized by their oversized heads, heavy brows, and long noses. While often called "Easter Island heads," most Moai actually have full bodies that were buried over time by shifting soil . Material: Most were carved from tuff , a compressed volcanic ash from the Rano Raraku quarry . Size: The average statue stands about 4 meters tall and weighs roughly 12.5 tonnes . However, the largest finished Moai, " Paro ," reached nearly 10 meters in height. Ahu : The statues were typically placed on stone platforms called Ahu , which served as ceremonial sites. Pukao : Some Moai wear a hat-like cylinder made of red scoria stone ca...