Why did the natives carve the moai?
It is believed that in AD 690 the first people arrived on the island. Although no artwork found yet dates back to around that time, it may have been possible that their decendants began the stone carving. Also, by carbon-14 dating, archeaologists believe that the sculpting was well under way by 1470. This means that if another group of Polynesian people had landed on the island, then it must have happened by the 12th centuary. The only logical reason behind carving such structures is to develop pride amongst the tribe. Many other reasons have been introduced by people around the world, fascinated with the history of Easter Island. Many of these claims are mildly outragous. One such claim explains how easter island was once joined to Egypt, which happens to be on the other side of the world! Another also explains how Easter Island was actually Atlantis. Despite this, it is accepted that the moai artwork was developed as a means to lift the spirit of the tribe and make them stand out amo
