Summary of "8. FROM THE FIELD: Geoarchaeological survey on Rapa Nui (Easter Island)"
Summary of "8. FROM THE FIELD: Geoarchaeological survey on Rapa Nui (Easter Island)"
Dr. Dale Simpson provides an in-depth, on-site geoarchaeological survey of Rapa Nui (Easter Island), focusing on the landscape, geological features, and archaeological evidence related to the sourcing and production of stone tools used by the ancient Rapa Nui people, particularly for carving the famous statues (moai).
Main Ideas and Concepts
- Impact of Recent Fires on Archaeological Survey:
- Recent fires have burnt parts of the landscape, exposing geological and archaeological features that are normally hidden.
- Burnt areas reveal quarries, stone tools, and artifacts that are easier to spot due to the cleared vegetation.
- Geological Features and Tool Sources:
- The survey focuses on areas like Putoki Toki, known for being the primary source of stone tools used for carving moai.
- Geological outcrops called puku show multiple volcanic layers; the Rapa Nui people selectively mined fine-grained basalt layers ideal for tool-making.
- The basalt from these layers is fine-grained, free of inclusions and air pockets, making it perfect for crafting tools.
- Stone Tool Production Process:
- Large basalt boulders were quarried and then reduced (broken down) into smaller usable pieces.
- The reduction process produced large amounts of debitage (stone flakes and waste).
- Tools like percussion tools and picks were used to break down boulders.
- The Rapa Nui created storage pits called poo to hold quarried stone material during the reduction process.
- Cultural Features and Artifacts:
- Discovery of a haremoa (chicken house), an oval stone structure used to protect live chickens, which were a vital resource for meat, eggs, bones, and feathers.
- The importance of chickens is highlighted because other animals like dogs and pigs did not survive on the island.
- A beautiful obsidian artifact was found on the surface after the fire, illustrating the value of burnt areas for finding surface artifacts.
- Petroglyphs (stone carvings) were found near quarries, including one of Makemake, the Rapa Nui creator god, indicating cultural and spiritual significance attached to these sites.
- Agricultural Landscape Management:
- The Rapa Nui people created anthropogenic gardens called monovi, using stone embankments and mulching techniques to conserve moisture and improve soil fertility.
- These gardens supported crops such as sweet potato, taro, and yams.
- Fieldwork and Personal Reflections:
- Dr. Simpson describes the physical challenges of fieldwork on Rapa Nui, including walking over rough terrain and navigating burnt areas.
- He shares a personal story about Carlos and Steffi, local people who contributed to his understanding of Rapa Nui culture and history.
- Emphasizes the importance of respecting indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage.
- Notes that many quarry sites are overgrown and in danger of being lost without proper preservation.
- Conservation and Future Plans:
- The Putoki Toki area, with its many quarries, is planned to be incorporated into a new park to protect these important archaeological sites.
Methodology / Instructions Observed in the Survey
- Conduct walk-through surveys especially after natural events like fires to identify exposed archaeological features.
- Observe and document geological layers (puku) to locate fine-grained basalt suitable for tool-making.
- Identify and map quarry sites and associated reduction areas with debitage.
- Locate and document cultural features such as chicken houses (haremoa), petroglyphs, and gardens (monovi).
- Follow archaeological best practice by not removing artifacts found on the surface but recording their locations for future detailed study.
- Use drone mapping and aerial surveys to complement ground observations.
- Respect and integrate local knowledge and cultural perspectives in archaeological research.
- Recognize the importance of preserving and protecting archaeological sites from natural and human threats.
Speakers / Sources Featured
- Dr. Dale Simpson – Geoarchaeologist conducting the survey and providing commentary throughout the video.
- Carlos – Local Rapa Nui individual who contributed knowledge about the island and its cultural landscape.
- Steffi – Partner of Carlos, who shared cultural insights and helped Dr. Simpson understand bicultural perspectives on Rapa Nui.
This video offers a detailed field perspective on how geological and archaeological methods combine to uncover and understand the stone tool production and cultural practices of the Rapa Nui people, emphasizing the importance of landscape, culture, and conservation.
Category
Educational
