On the Expedition
Explore one of the most remote islands on Earth to uncover the evolution of agriculture and the consequences of environmental degradation.
You’ll work in a uniquely beautiful landscape amid the warm sea breezes on the island’s western and northern coasts, searching for prehistoric dwellings, earth ovens, gardens, livestock enclosures, and agricultural fields. Under the gaze of the giant stone moai, you'll conduct surface surveys of house sites and dig test-pits in gardens to document the evolution of farming. The artifacts you find will throw light on the lives of Rapa Nui’s original inhabitants, their culture, and its ultimate fate.
In your recreational time, wander in awe over what’s been called "one giant archaeological site," with nearby petroglyphs, caves, and ceremonial centers to capture your imagination. Or, take a horseback ride along the island’s rocky headlands or a swim at a secluded beach.
Meals and Accommodations
You'll stay in cozy double rooms in a residencia, or small family hotel, in "downtown" Hanga Roa, the only town on Easter Island (Rapa Nui). The house has a fine common room, dining room, garden, and conventional bathroom facilities, but electricity, propane, and water are expensive--so expect to conserve. You’ll enjoy creative island cuisine, including fresh fruits and seafood, prepared by the house cook, but bring your favorite small trail or field foods—and some to share!—as such foods can be great for the field and hard to obtain on site.
About the Research Area
Easter Island (Rapa Nui)—or Isla de Pascua in Spanish—is a “special territory” of Chile, and is located 3,702 kilometers (2,300 miles) west of Santiago. The island is triangular in shape and is composed of three volcanoes: Mt. Terevaka, Rano Kau, and Poike. Together they form a landmass of about 105 square kilometers (65 square miles). The research area for this study consists of the upland region, Vaitea, and the surrounding terrain located on the island’s central volcano. The region is now sparsely covered with vegetation.
Prehistoric field systems are located on the slopes of the volcano and positioned around basalt outcrops and within protective swales and valleys. The agricultural fields, which are covered by a light to moderately dense grass, are readily identifiable by the surface concentrations of rock and small boulders. Domestic sites, represented by small stone arrangements, are located between the gardens.
Many points of interest are within a short walk of the project site, including Caves, petroglyphs, reconstructed and unreconstructed ceremonial centers, swimming and fishing areas, and a small town with restaurants and shops.
Rapa Nui’s archaeological record is impressive on both large and small scales, and much of its human history is steeped in tragedy. The coastal temples (ahu) and the statue (moai) quarries are large, impressive and unforgettable. The archaeology of the domestic sphere of life is also rich in detail. With a little experience, what first appear to you as random clusters of un-worked stone will soon become recognizable as important features from the past.