Study Reveals Easter Island Statues ‘Walked’ Using Pendulum Dynamics and 15 People

A recent study sheds new light on how the gigantic moai statues of Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, may have been transported across the landscape, suggesting they could “walk” using a combination of pendulum dynamics, ropes, and a small group of people. Traditionally, there has been considerable debate about the methods employed by the Indigenous people to move these monumental statues, some of which can weigh dozens of tons.

Key Findings of the Study

Researchers discovered that the design and shaping of the moai facilitated their transport. Statues were crafted with a low center of mass and a forward lean. These features helped the statues move in a “walking” manner, a finding detailed in the November 2025 edition of the Journal of Archaeological Science.

• The team utilized virtual models to investigate the moai’s design.
• They found that groups of 15 to 60 people, using three ropes, could move the moai effectively.
• The average stride of a walking moai was approximately 35 inches (89 centimeters).

Historical Context

The Rapa Nui people settled on Easter Island around 1,000 years ago. Today, the island is home to over 962 moai, which stand between 3.7 feet (1.1 meters) and 32.6 feet (9.8 meters) tall. These statues are typically located about 6.2 miles (10 km) from their quarry, Rano Raraku.

Previous Experiments and Insights

Historically, one prominent theory suggested that the moai were moved in an upright position, with an experiment conducted in 2012 showcasing an 18-person team successfully moving a scaled-down replica weighing 4.8 tons over 328 feet (100 meters). This experiment highlighted the potential for the statues to be transported with fewer people than previously thought.

Further analysis by study co-authors Carl Lipo and Terry Hunt revealed that the moai designed for transport had specific attributes, including a D-shaped base that allowed for a pivoting motion. The research included modeling the physics behind these movements, focusing on the interplay of weight and momentum during transport.

• The study found that the moai could move at an average speed of 1,000 feet (310 m) per hour.
• For a journey of 6.2 miles (10 km), an average moai would take approximately 11,000 steps.

Expert Opinions

Experts, including archaeologist Sue Hamilton, acknowledged the study’s contribution to understanding the movement of the moai. However, she emphasized that the results are one among various possibilities and that they do not conclusively prove that the statues walked as suggested.

Lipo and Hunt argue that alternative theories have yet to present convincing explanations that account for all the available evidence. The possibility of the moai moving through pendulum dynamics remains a compelling argument in the ongoing discussion about Easter Island’s historical practices.