• Their
exact history remains uncertain, but it is estimated
that the statues were created sometime around
1000 AD.
• "Often
referred to as Easter Island "heads",
the statues are actually complete torsos which
over time have been buried up to their necks in
earth and sand.
• Getting there: LAN Chile Airlines holds a monopoly
on frequent 5 1/2 hour flights from Santiago,
Strange and remote Easter Island remains at the
top of many lists as a favorite exotic and faraway destination.
Located
off the coast of Chile
in South America, Easter Island was named for the day it was discovered
by Dutch explorers in 1722.
The
little island (roughly the size of Manhattan at 14 miles long
by 7 miles wide) is, nonetheless, big on colossal attractions.
In
particular, there are the ancient and monumental heads that dot
the island, believe carved by natives around 1,000 AD.
Today, researchers
know that the huge statues, or "moais", were carved
from easily worked volcanic rock - found only in an inland area
of the island.
But the
method by which some of these monoliths were transported throughout
the island, using only primitive methods, continues to fascinate.
Various theories on when they were created continues as the Easter Island Project is led by an international team of archaeologists who hint that the statues may be far older than previously thought.
Meanwhile, an opportunity to snap rare photos and meet friendly locals while
staying at island guesthouses - makes even a short stopover well worth the trip -- if only to boast of your travels to exotic Easter Island.