Ancient ‘Walking’ Technique Solved Mystery of How Easter Island’s Moai Statues Were Moved
Rapa Nui, Chile – A decades-old mystery surrounding the transportation of the massive moai statues on Easter Island (rapa Nui) may finally be solved, according to new research from Binghamton University. A team led by Carl lipo has demonstrated that the statues were likely “walked” into place using a rocking and swinging motion, challenging previous theories that involved complex ramps, logs, or large teams pulling the statues upright.
The research, detailed in recent findings, centers on the unique design of the moai. Lipo’s team created high-resolution 3D models,identifying a wide D-shape base and a forward-leaning position as key features enabling this movement.
To test the theory, the team constructed a 4.35-ton replica of a moai with the forward-leaning design. They successfully moved the replica 100 meters in 40 minutes with just 18 people, a notable betterment over previous attempts utilizing vertical transport methods.”Physically, this makes sense,” Lipo stated. “The results of our experiment really work. Even when the statue is bigger, the principle still holds.”
Further supporting the “walking” hypothesis is the structure of the roads on Rapa Nui. The paths are approximately 4.5 meters wide with an inward curve, providing stability during the rocking motion. “Every time they move a statue, it seems like they are also building a road.The road is part of the moving process,” Lipo explained, noting the presence of numerous overlapping and parallel paths suggesting a systematic clearing process.
Lipo asserts that no other theory adequately explains the movement of the moai and challenges others to disprove his team’s findings. “Find evidence that shows that the statue cannot walk. because so far,there is not a single finding that refutes this theory,” he said.
The research also underscores the ingenuity of the Rapa Nui people, demonstrating their ability to achieve remarkable technical feats with limited resources.Lipo emphasizes the importance of scientifically testing theories about the past, countering unsubstantiated narratives. “We can understand the past in a truly scientific way,” he said. “the vital step is to say: ‘Look, we can build explanations that can be tested and proven.'”