The moai (statues) on Ahu Akivi are believed to represent the seven explorers who were sent to scout Easter Island before the first islanders arrived. The moai on Ahu Akivi caused some confusion to archeologists at first because it had been assumed that all moai stood with their backs to the ocean. However, Ahu Akivi is located inland and the moai face towards the sea. This led to the conclusion that the moai were placed to face towards the village, not away from the ocean.