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For most people, Easter Island is associated with something mysterious – and no wonder: it is famous for the huge stone statues lined up along the coast. They are called moai. They stare out at the ocean with painted eyes, and this look is both creepy and mesmerizing.
Moai – stone monolithic statues on Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean. It is believed that the statues were made by the natives of the island between 1250 and 1500, but there is no consensus on the issue of their movement around the island.
One of the main questions is how did these 10-meter idols get there? – is still unresolved. Tourists flock here in the hope of unraveling the mystery, but they return home hung with souvenirs and... without an answer. You can get an answer to this question, as well as uncover the secrets of Easter Island, by watching a fascinating documentary at the end of this article.
Moai is the biggest mystery and "brand" of Easter Island. In 2007, these stone statues were nominated for the title of "Wonder of the World" and entered the final of the competition "New seven wonders of the world".
Image enlarges when clicking on it | wikimedia.org
Image enlarges when clicking on it | shutterstock.com
Stone moai are carved from the petrified volcanic ash. These are stylized human figures with short bodies and elongated heads. According to the beliefs of local residents, they contain the supernatural power of the ancestors of the first king of Easter Island – Hotu Matua.
Making and transporting over 900 statues is considered an extraordinary creative and physical feat. There are currently 887 moai statues on the island.
The usual size of a moai is 3–5 m. The average width of the base is 1,6 m. The average weight of such statues is less than 5 tons. The height of the statues is less often 10–12 m. About 30–40 statues weigh more than 10 tons.
Most moai were carved from rock monoliths at the foot of the Rano Raraku volcano. The tallest statues are on the outer slope of this volcano.
Interesting fact
In so many publications, the weight of the moai is greatly overestimated. This is due to the fact that basalt is taken for calculations, and not those light basalt rocks, from which, in fact, almost all moai are made. So, for example, the weight of some statues is estimated at more than 80 tons, although all such statues are now quietly installed by a 15-ton crane.
Contrary to popular belief, stone statues do not "look" towards the ocean, but deep into the island. Some moai have "caps" made of red stone. Moai were made in quarries in the center of the island. How they were transported to the coast is unknown. According to legend, they "walked" themselves. Recently, enthusiastic volunteers have found several ways to transport stone blocks. But which of them the ancient inhabitants used (or some of their own) has not yet been determined.
Many unfinished idols are in the quarries. A detailed study of the island gives the impression that work on the statues was stopped suddenly. So, for example, researchers found an unfinished sculpture about 20 meters high and weighing 270 tons. It is also located in the quarry and is not separated from the base.
Image enlarges when clicking on it | shutterstock.com
Image enlarges when clicking on it | pixabay.com
Documentary "The Mystery of Easter Island"
Interesting facts about Easter Island
A film for tourists from "Eagle and Reshka"
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