For centuries, the enigmatic Moai statues of Easter Island have captivated the world with their imposing presence and mysterious origins. These iconic stone figures, with their oversized heads and solemn expressions, have long been a symbol of the island’s rich cultural heritage. However, recent groundbreaking research has unveiled a startling new revelation: the Moai statues are not just heads, but full-bodied figures buried deep beneath the earth.
Unveiling the Hidden Truth
The Easter Island Statue Project, led by Jo Anne Van Tilburg, has conducted extensive investigations into the Moai statues. Using advanced techniques such as ground-penetrating radar, the team has discovered that the statues’ bodies are buried up to their necks in the ground. This groundbreaking discovery challenges our previous understanding of these iconic structures and offers new insights into their construction and purpose.
The Tukuturi Statue: A Case Study
One of the most significant findings from the project is the revelation of the full body of the Tukuturi statue. Located on the south coast of Easter Island, Tukuturi is approximately 4.5 meters tall and has a body composed of cylindrical stone blocks. The statue’s arms are intricately carved into the body, and there are additional carvings on its back. This discovery provides valuable evidence of the Moai’s complex construction process.
The Significance of the Moai Statues
The Moai statues are believed to represent the ancestors of the Rapa Nui people, who inhabited Easter Island for centuries. While their exact purpose remains a subject of debate, it is clear that they played a significant role in the island’s culture and religious practices. The discovery of the Moai’s full bodies sheds new light on these enigmatic structures and offers a deeper understanding of their cultural significance.
The unveiling of the full bodies of the Easter Island Moai statues marks a major milestone in archaeological research. This groundbreaking discovery challenges our previous understanding of these iconic figures and provides valuable insights into their construction, purpose, and cultural significance. As researchers continue to explore the mysteries of Easter Island, the Moai statues will undoubtedly remain a source of fascination and wonder for generations to come.
I think they were placed along the “then” shoreline, to chase away anyone who thought about coming to their island. Over time, the sand built up around the statues due to wave action, effectively increasing the size if the island. As more sand deposited near the statues, the bodies eventually got covered. As time passed, the sand deposits got further away from the shore, and that is why the heads didn’t get covered.
Love your choice of subject matter. I learn from them every day. Thanks a bunch from an old Science Teacher.
My first thought is that they are grave markers.
Amazing work truely
amazing
I think, that project have to made with sana. When You have made under part of body, you must cover It sana and then you Canon made other part of body. Similar like pyramides have made.
totally fascinating…. thanks
Simply amazing
endless passion for archeology generally ..!
Exposing the rest of the bodies is very exciting for me. Were they deliberately buried or was it mother nature and time that covered them up? What are the future plans as far as uncovering the rest of them?
Will they be reburied now that you have unearthed one ?
or will it be forever showing it’s body ?
Amazing! I have had a fascination for the Moai for ever, I will look forward to updates