The Easter Island statues, known as Moai, are large human figures carved from volcanic rock that were erected on stone platforms around Easter Island between 1250-1500 CE. The Moai are characterized by oversized heads with prominent brows, noses and chins as well as rectangular ears and deep eye slits, with the exception of one kneeling statue. Archaeologist Claudio Cristino has been instrumental in restoring many of the Moai monuments since the 1970s.

1. THE EASTER
ISLANDS

2. The Easter Island
Statues or Moai are
located at the
Chilean Polynesian
island of Easter
Islands. The statues
were carved by the
Polynesian
colonizers of the
island, mostly
between 1250 CE
and 1500 CE.

3.  The Moai are
monolithic human
figures with
minimalist style.
• Their faces bearing
proud but enigmatic
expressions.
• The over-large heads
have heavy brows and
elongated noses.
• Moai’s ears are
elongated and oblong
in form.

4.  Easter Island
statues are
known for their
large, broad noses
and strong chins,
along with
rectangle-shaped
ears and deep eye
slits. Except for
one kneeling
moai, the statues
do not have legs.

5. • Moai facing inland at Ahu Tongariki, restored by Chilean archaeologist
Claudio Cristino in the 1990s.
• Claudio's connection with Easter Island dates back to 1976, when he
arrived to participate in the restoration of the famous birdman cult
ceremonial site of Orongo. In the following years he excavated and
restored several other monuments.

6. The Moai statues are carved from rock of volcanic ash
and set on stone platforms called ahu around the island's
perimeter.

7. In addition to representing deceased ancestors, the moai, once they
were erected on ahu, may also have been regarded as the
embodiment of powerful living or former chiefs and important lineage
status symbols.

8.  PANAGIOTIS GOURDOMIHALIS
 MICHAIL VENETHS
 LEO METOYSI
 CHRIS PROFITIS