© Rex Features / Geoff Renner / Robert Harding
Scientists have come up with a way of moving the great landmarks known as moai without the use of machinery.
The experts have designed a method so that the 33 feet, 80 tonne statues are able to move with the aid of rope, a lot of manpower and patience.
Native group the Rapanui, however, have long believed that the figures really did walk by themselves.
A 25-year-old man from the group told National Geographic: "In the Rapanui oral tradition, the moai were animated by mana, a spiritual force transmitted by powerful ancestors."
The idea was first concocted by anthropologist Terry Hunt who, with the help of National Geographic, managed to put it into practice.
Watch a video of the project below:
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