Small moai discovered on Easter Island

More buried monolithic statues have been found on Chile's Rapa Nui, commonly known as Easter Island, adding to the number of those that have been discovered there. The moai - human figures carved centuries ago by the remote Pacific Island's Rapa Nui people - were found partially buried in a dry lagoon. They are believed to be carved from stone from the Rano Raraku volcano.

The Vice President of the Ma'u Henua community, said the discovery is "important" because "it is also part of our own history as Rapa Nui people." The moai are believed to represent ancestors of the Rapa Nui people. Rapa Nui was formed at least 750,000 years ago by volcanic eruptions. Its first inhabitants were sailors from Central Polynesia who gradually created their own culture. The moai were carved between the years 1000 and 1600.