Moai
Rapanui artisans carved the giant statues, called moai, centuries ago from volcanic rock at a quarry a mile away. By the 19th century all of Easter's moai had been toppled—by whom or what is unclear.
Photograph by Robert Harding Picture Library Ltd, Alamy Stock Photo

World Heritage Site Pictures: Easter Island

Carved centuries ago from volcanic tuff, the huge stone statues of Easter Island are believed to embody the deified spirits of ancestors. But how were they erected? The question draws scientists and tourists alike to this remote World Heritage site.

November 30, 2015
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