The island is famous for its gigantic stone statues, of which there are more than 600, and for the ruins of giant stone platforms with open courtyards on their landward sides, some of which show masterly construction. Archaeological surveys were carried out in 1886, 1914, and 1934; archaeological excavations were initiated in 1955. Rano Raraku is a visual record of statue design vocabulary and technological innovation, and is a precious and important part of the Rapanui patrimony.
