'a
pó completed its first major field project at the Puna Pau topknot
quarry. The majority of the red scoria caps that once adorned megalithic statuary
were carved in this small volcanic crater. Many of the topknots or pukao
that were carved here were at one point hoisted atop statues that reach several
meters in height. A few other pukao never reached their destinations,
and some even remain in the quarry site today. The only pukao that remain
atop statues today are reconstructed examples. As statues toppled on the island,
these massive topknots, sometimes reaching more than two meters in width and
two meters tall, came crashing down as well.
Students
who participated in the Puna Pau Project began by mapping the terrain and pukao
locations in the crater and surrounding areas. The only survey instrument was
a theodolite left on the island decades before by archaeologist William Mulloy.
The students
created
a detailed two-dimensional map using the theodolite and modern GIS software.
The project also carefully photographed and documented each individual pukao.
With
tape measures and digital cameras, students measured and described the details
and condition of the topknots. Their ultimate goal was to reproduce the site
in digital format for conservation and research purposes. Upon gathering data
and completing the preliminary mapping exercise, students took the project a
step further to create three dimensional digital models of the terrain and each
individual pukao. The complete report for the project was co-authored
by all participating students and published in the Rapa
Nui Journal.
Students
of the Puna Pau Project class:
Irene Arevalo Nazrala, Turi Atan Rodriguez, Makarena Barria Orellana,
Nikolas Cortes Pakomio, Samson Jacobo Riroroko, Valeria Jara Bustos, Camilo
Johnson Amorrortu, Vaitiare Merion Rapu, Yasna Monares Zuniga, Francisca Pont
Icka.
