The Current How the giant heads of Easter Island “walked”
Nov 28, 2025
Carl Lipo, Professor at Binghamton University, and Terry Hunt, Professor at the University of Arizona, delve into the mystery of Easter Island's iconic moai statues. Forget aliens—these giants may have 'walked' into place using ropes! They discuss evidence that the statues were transported upright, utilizing a pendulum-like motion. Their innovative research counters traditional theories, showcasing the ingenuity of the Rapa Nui people. With practical experiments backing their findings, Lipo and Hunt reveal a fascinating glimpse into the engineering marvels of ancient Polynesia.
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Moai Are Community Guardians
- The Moai were carved as deified ancestors and placed to look over communities inland.
- Their orientation reflects social purpose, not mysterious external forces.
Statue Shapes Reveal How They Moved
- Physical features of the statues (forward lean, break patterns, road positions) imply they were transported upright.
- That evidence led researchers to conclude the Moai were moved in a standing, walking posture.
Rope Engineering Enabled Walking
- The 'walking' method uses ropes on both sides and a rear rope to create a pendulum-stepping motion.
- Proper rope placement under the brow ridge provides enough leverage for efficient forward motion.
