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Easter Island

The Moais

Juan Fernandez and Robinson Crusoe Island


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THE MOAIS: EASTER ISLAND, CHILE

The most visible and characteristic of Easter Island's myriad archaeological artifacts, these immense basalt sculptures were toppled from their ahu platforms by feuding islanders during the 'decadent period' of Rapa Nui culture, beginning in the 17th century. For years, researchers have puzzled over how the islanders managed to transport these sculptures from the quarry to their coastal resting places; one unfinished moai measures over 22m, and weighs 250-300 tons.