Carving and transporting the Moai required incredible skill and labor. Artisans used stone picks made from harder volcanic rock to chip away at the softer tuff. The Moai were carved mostly in a reclining position in the quarry and then carefully detached.

One of the greatest mysteries surrounding the Moai is how the Rapa Nui moved these massive statues from the quarry to their final destinations, often several kilometers away. Theories abound—from using wooden sledges and rollers to a “walking” method, where the statues were rocked forward with ropes in an upright position.

Recent experimental archaeology and indigenous oral traditions support the “walking” theory, suggesting the statues were moved upright by teams rocking them side to side, giving the appearance that they were “walking.” This method minimized the need for extensive manpower and allowed relatively quick transportation.

The Decline of Moai Construction and Cultural Changes

By the late 17th century, Moai carving and erecting declined dramatically. Several theories explain this sudden halt, including environmental degradation, deforestation, overpopulation, and internecine warfare. The loss of resources, such as trees essential for moving statues and sustaining life, severely impacted the Rapa Nui society.

Adding to the turmoil, European contact in the 18th century introduced diseases and slave raids, further devastating the population. By the time the island was annexed by Chile in the late 19th century, the Rapa Nui culture was profoundly altered. shutdown123