In the 15th and 16th century, these moai were carved and transported (how exactly is not known) from the quarry of the Rano Raraku volcano located 15 km away. The moai of Ahu Akivi are the only statues on the island that look towards the sea. The rest turns their backs to the ocean...likely to watch over and protect the inhabitants of a village at that time. Note the lower left photo, which shows the perfect alignment of the seven moai from the side. >>>