Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Easter Island Statues 'Walked' into Place, Study Reveals

11/27/2025

24 5

Summary

Story summary

A recent study by Carl Lipo and Terry Hunt, researchers, suggests Easter Island moai statues could be moved by 'walking' them with ropes.
Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, lies in the South Pacific about 2,200 miles from Chile.
The statues were carved between A.D. 1200 and 1700.
Originating in oral tradition, the idea was tested in 1986 and drew attention from Thor Heyerdahl and Pavel Pavel.

1 of 1

Story summary

A recent study by Carl Lipo and Terry Hunt, researchers, suggests Easter Island moai statues could be moved by 'walking' them with ropes.
Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, lies in the South Pacific about 2,200 miles from Chile.
The statues were carved between A.D. 1200 and 1700.
Originating in oral tradition, the idea was tested in 1986 and drew attention from Thor Heyerdahl and Pavel Pavel.