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The gigantic stone figures of Easter Island, known as moai, have captivated global attention for a long time. These immense human-like sculptures, some reaching heights of 10 meters and weighing up to 86 metric tons, have consistently prompted inquiries from both academics and the general populace regarding the methods employed by the Rapa Nui civilization to maneuver them into their designated positions.

Crafted between 1250 and 1500 CE, approximately 900 moai were sculpted and strategically placed across the island. The knowledge of their construction and transportation was conveyed through an oral tradition across successive generations. When contemporary scholars inquired of the Rapa Nui populace about the movement of these statues, the response was remarkably straightforward: the moai, they asserted, 'walked.' Recent academic inquiry now validates the accuracy of this traditional account.

Given the scarcity of timber on Easter Island, the notion of dragging the statues on wooden sleds or rollers appeared highly improbable. Consequently, researchers began to entertain the possibility that the term 'walking' was not merely a metaphorical expression. They explored whether the statues could indeed be moved in an upright position, oscillating from side to side in a forward progression. This groundbreaking research not only demystifies the ancient techniques but also underscores the profound ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Rapa Nui people, demonstrating their mastery of physics and engineering with the limited resources available to them.

The successful replication of this ancient technique, requiring minimal human effort, reveals that the moai's distinctive forward lean and broad, D-shaped base were crucial design elements facilitating their movement. These features allowed the statues to pivot and tip securely. Furthermore, the 4.5-meter-wide, concave roads found on Rapa Nui are perfectly suited for guiding these 'walking' statues, suggesting they were formed as the moai traversed the landscape. This profound understanding of their environment and the properties of their creations allowed the Rapa Nui to accomplish extraordinary feats, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire awe and curiosity about human potential and adaptation.