Overview
- Archaeologists Carl P. Lipo and Terry L. Hunt report in the Journal of Archaeological Science that the Moai were transported upright using a coordinated rocking motion.
- Analysis of roughly 962 statues, including unfinished examples along ancient routes, identifies D‑shaped bases and a forward tilt that favor stable, stepwise movement.
- A 4.35‑ton replica was moved about 100 meters in approximately 40 minutes in field trials, demonstrating practical feasibility and offering video documentation.
- Topographic mapping points to prepared pathways about 4.5 meters wide with concave profiles that helped guide and stabilize the statues during transport.
- The findings challenge roller-and-sledge explanations and large‑scale deforestation claims, directly rebut earlier critiques such as Jared Diamond’s, and highlight small, coordinated teams using local fiber ropes.