It is estimated that the large stone statues, or Moai (moheye) of Easter Island were carved sometime between 400 and 1700 AD. Sometimes called Easter Island heads, the statues are actually complete torsos on bent knees with their hands over their stomachs. Over the years, some upright moai have become buried up to their necks from shifting soils. They were carved from compressed, easily-worked volcanic ash or tuff found at a single site at the extinct volcano, Rano Raraku. The story is better continued with pictures…

Quick Photo Links: Moai quarry at Rano Raraku | Moai at Ahu Tongariki | Traveling Moai | Navel of the World | Peggy's rescue | Easter Island protest | flash pic from the hip