Monoliths Chiselled and Polished with Pumice - Easter Island

Most of the decoration on the statues appears on the back; the design usually comprises a girdle from one of three bands, surrounded by one, sometimes two, rings and frequently a figure below it shaped like the letter M, all in relief. In front of the nipples, navel and hands are carved, these last having very tapering fingers and long thumbs. Exposure of unweathered surface shows that the statues were highly polished, pumice - pieces of which have been found in the quarry.

From Wonders of the Past