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LONG-TERM RESEARCH GOALS & FIELD OBJECTIVES (2010+)
We plan continuing and long-term field and analytic research on Rapa Nui archaeology, palaeo-environment, and palaeo-demography with goals of building a synthetic and theoretically informed prehistory for the island (see field school publications). Our field schools from 2001 have undertaken a broad survey, mapping, and excavation program on the island's northwest coast, at Akahanga on the south coast, and excavations in the early deposits at Anakena. We hope to build on a strong foundation of existing data and examine questions of evolutionary change on this small, remote island where much is known, but a great deal still remains to be explored, critically evaluated, and explained.
Our immediate goal is to integrate field training for local Rapanui and field school students with basic archaeological research. Research focuses on comparative and synthetic analysis of the chronology of prehistoric Rapa Nui settlement pattern, subsistence, palaeo-environments, and inter-related long-term changes expressed in palaeo-demography, monumental architecture and statuary, and the devastating impacts of European contact. Our research goals can be accomplished by intensive survey and mapping, complemented by limited, small-scale excavations to recover materials for analysis and absolute dating. In the interests of archaeological preservation on the island, we believe research problems should draw on extant collections and data whenever possible. Our museum-based work reflects our commitment to this conservation ethic. We hope our field research will also contribute to the long-term preservation and protection of archaeological sites on Rapa Nui. Such preservation is in the interest of the Rapanui people and the wider community.
Our long-term research interests, commitments, and relations on the island should provide multiple opportunities for qualified students, graduate and undergraduate, to join us and undertake research on the island. University of Hawai`i offers an unparalleled program for Pacific Island archaeology integrated with a dedication to historical science and the application of the latest advances in archaeological method and theory.
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