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PACIFIC PREHISTORY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I
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| Rapa Nui Archaeological Field School 2005 |
Field
School Application |
Site Report | |
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Dr. Terry
Hunt, LINKS
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University of Hawai`i Archaeological Field School,
Rapa Nui 2005 |
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THE FIELD SCHOOL The 2005 University of Hawai`i Archaeological Field School will be held on the famous, remote island of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in the farthest reaches of Polynesia. Our field research will be conducted on ancient habitation and related sites on coastal lands on the islandís rugged northwest, southern, and northeastern shorelines. These areas contain a wealth of well-preserved remains, including prehistoric statues (moai) and ceremonial platforms (ahu), boat-shaped houses, habitation caves, agricultural features, and several other site forms. Our work will document these sites with archaeological field survey, detailed mapping, and limited excavations. Students will work directly on these sites and learn multiple aspects of cutting-edge field methods. |
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THE ISLAND Rapa Nui, located 3,700 km west of South America and 2250 km southeast of Pitcairn, is among the worldís most isolated places. The island is only 171 km2 (66 miles2), but boasts magnificent megalithic sculptures, rock art, and remarkable structural remains. The prehistoric people of Rapa Nui produced more than 700 massive statues and moved about 300 of them to distance locations over the entire island. The statues, along with other features of the island's prehistory, have engendered much archaeological speculation and research. The archaeology and natural history of this small, isolated, and famous island have drawn a great deal of attention, yet few people actually ever get to visit this remarkable island. |
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RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND READING There are several excellent sources describing archaeology and prehistory on Rapa Nui. Three of the best, widely-available publications are:
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LONG-TERM RESEARCH GOALS & FIELD OBJECTIVES (2005 +) 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 Hunt & Lipo 2002). Chilean and international scholars have completed years of excellent field research, analysis, and publication providing a strong foundation for continued work. Our field school work of 2001 - 2004 began a broad survey, mapping, and excavation program at Maitakitemoa on the island's northwest coast and at Akahanga on the south coast. 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 and explained. Our immediate goal is to integrate field training for local Rapanui and U.H. field school students with basic archaeological research. Research will focus on comparative and synthetic analysis of the chronology of prehistoric Rapa Nui settlement pattern, subsistence, palaeo-environments, and inter-related long-term changes such expressed in palaeo-demography, monumental architecture and statuary, and the impact 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. And 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. 0ur 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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FIELD CONDITIONS We will stay in simple shared housing in a hotel in the town of Hanga Roa. Our accommodation will have showers, flush toilets, and indoor plumbing. Meals and associated clean up will be provided. Winter (June-August) conditions on Rapa Nui are cool and rain showers are sudden and frequent. Although, the weather can also be "perfect" with sunshine and temperatures in the 70s. Low temperatures can typically range from lows in the 50s (degrees F), with highs in the mid- 60s, but the "wind-chill" at times makes it seem much colder, so plan for appropriate gear and clothing. Students must bring hiking boots (i.e., protective shoes with good ankle support). Other personal items should include a hat, sunglasses, and a day-pack. A poncho or jacket for wind and rain will be necessary on most days. Sweaters and jackets are often necessary. Other necessities include all personal supplies and prescriptions. We will have little, if any access to regular shopping, etc., while on the island. Students need to plan for nearly five weeks of personal self-sufficiency. Keep in mind things such as backup contact lenses or a second pair of glasses. In terms of medical needs, we strongly recommend sunscreen, a good antibacterial soap (e.g., Lever 2000), personal first aid supplies, and a non-prescription anti-diarrhea drug. Students must check with their physician and be current on all standard vaccinations, particularly tetanus. Ask your doctor about getting a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics to use in the event of skin or other bacterial infections, such as respiratory problems from a cold or flu. Students may also want to consider getting the vaccines for hepatitis A & B (but plan ahead). Be sure to talk with your doctor about other precautions for your health in an isolated location with limited medical facilities. Rapa
Nui is a small, traditional society. Consequently, students must keep
to rules of proper conduct in mind at all times and plan their visit
accordingly. We will ask all participants to sign a code of conduct
appropriate to local laws, customs, and the University of Hawai`i code
of student conduct. |
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