12. The Moai of Easter Island (Chile)
The Moai statues of Easter Island, known as Rapa Nui, are monumental stone figures carved by the island’s early inhabitants between 1100 and 1680 CE. These statues, numbering around 887, were primarily crafted from volcanic tuff sourced from the Rano Raraku quarry (easterisland.travel). The Moai were transported to various locations across the island, with recent studies suggesting they were “walked” upright using a rocking motion facilitated by their design, requiring as few as 15 people. Positioned on stone platforms called Ahu, the Moai face inland, symbolizing their role as protectors of the communities. Their construction and placement reflect the Rapa Nui people’s complex social structure and deep connection to their environment.
