2025-10-07T15:56:03Z

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Imagine colossal stone statues striding across the island of Rapa Nui like giants on a mission! For years, the mystery of how the ancient inhabitants managed to transport their iconic moai statues has baffled researchers. Now, a groundbreaking study led by Binghamton University archaeologist Carl Lipo reveals that these statues didn’t just slide or roll—they actually walked! This astonishing revelation follows rigorous 3D modeling combined with practical field experiments.

The research team, which included experts from the University of Arizona, unearthed the secrets behind the movement of nearly 1,000 moai statues. They discovered that with a little creativity and physics, the Rapa Nui people used ropes to 'walk' these massive statues along pre-planned, zig-zagging routes. The findings were published in the esteemed Journal of Archaeological Science.

Previously, Lipo and his colleagues provided experimental evidence supporting the idea that these statues were moved upright in a rocking motion, rather than lying flat on wooden sledges—a theory that has been widely accepted until now. “Once you get it moving, it isn’t hard at all—people are pulling with one arm. It conserves energy, and it moves quickly,” Lipo explained. The challenge, he noted, lay in initiating that first rocking motion. But how do you get a statue, some weighing several tons, to start moving in the first place?

To test their theory, Lipo's team crafted high-resolution 3D models of the moai, identifying unique features like their wide D-shaped bases and forward lean, which aided in this innovative 'walking' technique. In a striking experiment, the team constructed a replica moai weighing 4.35 tons, which they successfully transported 100 meters in just 40 minutes using a mere 18 people. This method vastly outperformed the previous attempts where statues were transported in a vertical position.

The roads of Rapa Nui played a crucial role too, with their 4.5-meter width and concave shape providing stability for the moving statues. “Every time they’re moving a statue, it’s like they’re making a road,” Lipo noted, showcasing the deep connection between the transportation process and road construction.

With this research, Lipo challenges anyone to disprove their findings. “Find some evidence that shows it couldn’t be walking. Nothing we’ve seen anywhere disproves that,” he asserted, emphasizing the scientific approach to understanding the past.

But beyond the scientific discoveries, this research also pays tribute to the intelligence and innovation of the Rapa Nui people. “They figured this out with limited resources. It’s a testament to their ingenuity,” Lipo said. The study not only clarifies a historical enigma but also honors those who accomplished such a monumental feat.