what are these things called?

I saw a special on PBS that told of the oldest villagers stories that they used to be in the village, but 'walked' to the shore to be overseers for the island.
These are small people who live here..I see NO way they could have constructed these monoliths.
Just another of the many world mysteries of "who did this?"

The question becomes though, "why would someone help them make these giant statues in the middle of nowhere?"

I believe the Moai were made by the islanders themselves at times during their history. It may have been difficult for them, but not nearly so tough to explain as the stones moved for the Great Pyramid, or the creation of Machu Picchu (sp?) at so high an altitude in the Andes.