Peak of Moai Construction on Easter Island

Timeline

1. c. 1200–1210Rano Raraku volcanic quarry · Easter IslandCraftsmen quarried stone on a large scale within the tuff crater and carved moai torsos; hundreds of unfinished statues remain at the quarry, indicating that production reached its peak in the early 13th century.
2. c. 1203–1250Coastal ahu (ceremonial platforms) · Easter IslandCompleted moai were transported overland to coastal ahu ceremonial platforms and erected with their backs to the sea and faces inland, symbolizing the guarding of clan territory; the erection ceremonies were presided over by chiefs and consumed large amounts of labor and timber resources.
3. c. 1210–1400Easter Island (island-wide) · Easter IslandOver 800 moai were erected island-wide, with coastal clans competing to build ever larger statues to display prestige; forest resources declined sharply due to transport rollers and agricultural expansion, sowing the seeds of a later social crisis.