OtterKnow Kids EncyclopediaThe Moai are giant stone statues on Easter Island, a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The island belongs to the country of Chile and is one of the most remote places on Earth. The nearest town is more than 2,000 miles away!
The Rapa Nui people carved the Moai between the years 1250 and 1500. There are about 900 statues on the island. Most of them show big heads with long faces and heavy brows. The average Moai is about 13 feet tall and weighs 14 tons, which is heavier than a school bus. The biggest one is 33 feet tall.
- The statues were carved from volcanic rock at a quarry and then moved to spots all around the island.
- Scientists think workers used wooden sleds and ropes to slide them into place.
- Some people believe the Rapa Nui “walked” the statues by rocking them side to side!
