Easter Island is shrouded in mysteries. Where did the first inhabitants come from? How did they manage to cross the Pacific Ocean? Why did they do it? What is the point of the stone statues across the whole island? How could people without sophisticated technology move and erect huge pieces of rock (up to 15 meters tall)? Why were all the moai, as they are called, toppled and pushed over?
That’s right, they were once all toppled by the islanders themselves.
Everyone knows photos like this.
But in reality, only a few of the statues have been put up again, and very recently. All across the island, most places look like this.
Still, the big question remains: how could people move such huge stones? I can reveal the secret. It’s the material. It is a special kind of stone with lots of air bubbles inside, which is actually very light, called tuff. But look for yourself:
Links:
- More stories from Easter Island. The comprehensive article about my week there is still outstanding, though.
- More educational videos.
The Happy Hermit 
Perhaps you could reference Heyerdahl’s book on his research on Easter Island itself, “Aku-Aku”. Your brief allusion to Heyerdahl does not do justice to his resolving the mystery of the moai.
You are right.
I am still not sure about Mr Heyerdahl’s theory regarding the origin of the Rapa Nui, but kudos for his work on the moai. And for the Kon-Tiki adventure!
I still haven’t gotten to write the proper article about Easter Island, which will certainly give much more credit to Mr Heyerdahl.
That’s interesting. I know volcanic tuff; it is widely used as a construction material in the region around Mumbai. Light, and good thermal insulation, because of the bubbles. didn’t know that the statues of Easter Island were made of tuff; always thought they were granite. Thanks for that easy insight.
I think the granite ones are the fake ones that people buy for their garden. They make them heavy to dissuade thieves, I guess.
You travel, you write, you study history, you’re a lawyer, AND a detective solving mysteries?? A man of many talents!😉😁
I am just waiting for the National Geographic channel to discover what a hot-shot I am! :-)