Researchers have produced the first digital 3D model of Rano Raraku, the main quarry on Rapa Nui (Easter Island) where the Rapanui carved the moai statues. The quarry contains nearly 1,000 statues, and the model records each statue's location, size and orientation. The project was led by Terry Hunt of the University of Arizona School of Anthropology and developed at the request of Comunidad Indígena Ma'u Henua, which manages the national park.
The team flew drones over the quarry and captured 11,000 images during several field trips. Computer software stitched the images together over several weeks to create the 3D record. Archaeologists then spent many hours analysing the model to identify patterns and features across the site.
The study in PLOS One reports that moai production appears to have taken place in about 30 separate workshops across the island. The authors conclude the statues were likely made by tribes or clans rather than under a single island-wide ruler; they suggest the highest authority was probably at the tribe, or mata, level with roughly 100 people. The digital model and data have been shared with Comunidad Indígena Ma'u Henua to support conservation and local heritage decisions.
Students and early-career researchers took part. Caroline Keller, a junior in the School of Anthropology, identified moai in the images and learned GIS. Laryssa Shipley, an anthropology PhD candidate, also helped identify features and emphasised the model's value for local monitoring and planning.
Difficult words
- quarry — place where stone is dug or cut
- orientation — direction something faces or points
- stitch — join many images or parts togetherstitched
- analyse — carefully study information to find patternsanalysing
- workshop — place or group where people make thingsworkshops
- conservation — protection of nature and historic sites
- monitor — watch something to check its conditionmonitoring
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could the 3D model help the local community with conservation and planning?
- What are the advantages of using drones and images to record an archaeological site?
- Why is it useful to involve students and early-career researchers in a project like this?
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