Who are the people that carved the monolithic human figures of Easter Island?

The people who carved the monolithic human figures known as moai on Easter Island are the Rapa Nui. This indigenous group settled on the island, which is located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, and they created these large stone statues between about 1400 and 1650 CE.

The Rapa Nui culture is characterized by its unique language, customs, and navigational skills. The moai statues, which often represent ancestral figures, were carved from volcanic tuff and transported across the island to various ceremonial sites. Each statue varies in size, weight, and purpose, usually reflecting the chief or important ancestor of the clan that commissioned it.

This significant archaeological achievement is tied deeply to the Rapa Nui’s identity and their societal organization, where the statues served as a symbol of status and power. Understanding the Rapa Nui's history and their connection to these monumental figures is crucial for appreciating the cultural heritage of Easter Island.