current projects

High School Outreach (ongoing) | project website |

Local high school students now have the opportunity to enroll in a course that covers topics such as Polynesian and Rapa Nui Prehistory, archaeological research, and cultural conservation. The outreach project is offered as a cooperative effort between 'a pó, the Padre Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum, and Brother Eugenio Eyraud High School on Rapa Nui.

 

Inland Statue Project (2008/2009) | project website |

The inland statue project combines archaeological research, education, and community outreach. Students will gain expertise with hi-tech archaeological field equipment and a variety of computer programs. The project will include detailed archaeological survey of megalithic statues in regions of the island that have received no prior documentation. As a result, data collected will help to raise awareness for inland archaeological sites and the importance of their conservation. The project also incorporates an eco-tourism component to promote long-term careers and sustainability in archaeological conservation on Rapa Nui.

 

 

past projects

Rapa Nui Lichens (2005/2006) | project website |

Students of 'a pó collected data on the different lichen species found at various archaeological sites around the island. Basic lichenology introduces scientific and identification techniques, with an initial exercise conducted on headstones in a local cemetery. The students then collected lichen data from previously studied and dated archaeological remains. The aim of this project is to introduce basic archaeology to the students and incorporate field and laboratory research.

The Puna Pau Project (2003/2004) | project website |

 

In 2003, the students of 'a pó conducted the program's first large-scale archaeological project, a detailed survey of the Puna Pau megalithic topknot quarry. Upon completion of the project, students co-authored a final report that was published in the May, 2004 edition of the Rapa Nui Journal.

 

 

future projects

Student Exhibition Hall

Students of 'a pó will have the opportunity to research a specific topic in Rapa Nui culture, and then design, and assemble a temporary exhibition in the Padre Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum. The program is designed to encourage younger members of the Rapa Nui community to communicate with and learn from their elders. The program is currently seeking funds to begin this project. See here for details.