ANTH 381 (6 credits)
Archaeology Field Methods
Rapa Nui Archaeological Field School
University of Hawai`i
Summer 2006, Dr. T. Hunt

Our primary goal is training students in archaeological field methods. At the same time, we are conducting primary field research relating to a number of research problems and hypotheses. Through practical experience and hands-on participation in field work, students will gain the skills necessary to engage in the acquisition of archaeological data. Our strategy is to mix a range of field work activities with some laboratory work in the museum to give students a full, balanced view of research in archaeology.

During our first week on Rapa Nui we will have an intensive orientation. During this time students will have lectures on 1) the archaeological record; 2) research design and field data acquisition; 3) our graduate student research projects on Rapa Nui; 4) Pacific prehistory, with an emphasis on East Polynesia; 5) Rapa Nui prehistory, focusing on origins, cultural change, environmental change and human impacts, and contentious issues in the island’s archaeology; and 6) the evolution of cultural elaboration on Rapa Nui. Students will have a packet of readings to complement the lectures, and provide the basis for our discussions. We will plan to continue readings and group discussions throughout our time on Rapa Nui (perhaps on any field days lost to heavy rain).  Part of our orientation will be an intensive introduction to culture, language, and proper conduct on Rapa Nui.

During our orientation students will also complete a number of practical exercises on mapping, recording, and other field work skills.  On Rapa Nui we work with local archaeologists in excavation, survey, and curatorial/analytic work at the Englert Museum (Francisco Torres, Director and Curator of Archaeology). As part of our contribution to the community on Rapa Nui we will also continue training Rapanui high school students in archaeological field methods. Field school students will work directly with the local high school students (which itself is a learning experience for all). Your teaching assistants are graduate students at the University of Hawai`i specializing in aspects of Pacific archaeology and prehistory.

We have two field research projects/locations: 1) Maitaki te Moa, on the northwest coast; and 2) Anakena Beach, on the northeast coast. Students will rotate among these locations and participate in the varied activities of each.

You should expect to participate and learn at least the following kinds of methods/skills:

*reconnaissance survey and recording

*tape and compass mapping (including collection of contour data)

* total station mapping (including computer applications)

*various geophysical survey methods (e.g., GPR)

*field photography

*excavation methods (including detailed recording)

*stratigraphic/sedimentary/soil description, recording, and analysis

* statue (moai) data collection

* laboratory work (including analysis of museum artifact collections)

*other field techniques (e.g., geoarchaeological data collection)

Maitaki te Moa is a settlement and ceremonial complex on the northwest coast. We began intensive work at this location in 2001, and will continue our survey and mapping in the area. Maitaki te Moa is an approximately 60 minute hike from the end of the road at Te Peu. Students will hike this distance and carry their gear, water, food, etc., for daily work there.

At Anakena Beach/Dune students will conduct geophysical remote-sensing (subsurface) survey and excavations. Our objective there is to map buried structural remains, statues and other objects, using a range of “high-tech” methods for resistivity, conductivity, and radar. Depending on what we discover, we may follow our surveys with test excavation and recovery of remains with fine screening. Students will be engaged in processing and some analysis of the excavated materials.

In addition to field and laboratory work, we are planning 1) a set of field trips to visit the major archaeological complexes on the island; and 2) lectures/discussions on archaeology, and Pacific and Rapa Nui prehistory.

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