The statues, known as moai, were carved by the island's indigenous Rapa Nui people to embody the spirit of a prominent ancestor, with each considered to be the person's living incarnation.

Stone statues were carved by the indigenous Rapa Nui people to embody the spirit of a prominent ancestor. About 1,000 of the figures - known as moai - exist on the island, which hosts about 12,000 ...