Excavations revealed that centuries of shifting soils buried the torsos, which often feature intricate petroglyphs preserved perfectly by the dirt.

Researchers successfully tested this legend in 2012 by using ropes to rock a heavy replica side to side, creating a waddling motion similar to walking.

Representing deified ancestors, they were believed to project "mana," or protective spiritual power, toward the settlements they faced.

Known as pukao, these heavy topknots were carved from a distinct red scoria stone to reflect the traditional high-status hairstyles of tribal chiefs.