Easter Island (Rapa Nui) Culture

  Chile

• Rural Areas: 
Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: call for dates

Description: Research Mission:
Explore one of the most remote islands on Earth to uncover the consequences of environmental degradation.

Situation Report
Easter Island, Chile - The massive stone torsos (or moai) that dot this remote Polynesian island have perplexed centuries of explorers. Expectantly facing the vast, open ocean, the statues are mute testimony to a vanished civilization. These giant heads are not the entire story, however. You will have the chance to probe deep into the past to discover what forces led to a disastrous political and religious revolution here in the 17th century. Before that, Easter Islanders apparently enjoyed a millennium of peace and prosperity, in large part because of their innovative farming techniques on this inhospitable island. You will help local archaeologist Sonia Haoa and Dr. Chris Stevenson (Virginia Department of Historic Resources) survey and excavate prehistoric settlements that hold lessons for today.

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. 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 will enjoy creative island cuisine, including fresh fruits and seafood, prepared by the house cook, but bringing snack food to share will be appreciated as many items are hard to find on the island. This project is only for volunteers 18+ please.

Highlights: On the Expedition
Your team will explore an other-worldly landscape of grass and warm sea breezes in Easter Island's central region and on the northern coast. There you will help search for prehistoric houses, earth ovens, gardens, chicken houses, and agricultural fields. Under the ever-watchful 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 technologies. You may find an occasional obsidian spear point (mataa) or other artifacts that help throw light on Easter Island's mysterious past. In your spare time, you can wander over what one team member called "one giant archaeological site," with nearby petroglyphs, caves, and ceremonial centers. Swimming at secluded beaches and horseback riding along rocky headlands are also options on this captivating island.

Qualifications: Earthwatch volunteers are enthusiastic to learn about the research topic and are willing to contribute their time and energy to support leading scientists in conducting field research. Volunteers will be trained upon arrival at the research site. There is no upper age limit, yet all volunteers must be at least 16 years old, and in some cases 18 or 21 years old.

Cost in US$: 3,549

As a non-profit organization that supports scientific research, the SOC can be tax-deductible for US citizens in some cases. Contact Earthwatch for details. US members of Earthwatch are eligible for a 100 USD reduction of the SOC.

Please select the Earthwatch website link shown above to view the SOC for this project.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people: educators gain new knowledge and develop exciting lesson plans; students explore career options and build research skills; writers, photographers and artists contribute their skills and share their experiences through a variety of media; businessmen and women, doctors and nurses, engineers, homemakers, retirees. People from all walks of life choose to volunteer on research expeditions each year. Volunteers are actively engaged on a daily basis with the research project, develop global perspectives, and explore new cultures and environments.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Chile Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2-8

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement: Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. The Earthwatch community also includes 20,000 global members, 4,000 eager volunteers each year, 50 collaborating conservation organizations, and 50 corporate partners, all of whom work together to make a difference. Below you will find out more about our leadership, employment opportunities, and contact information.

Year Founded: 1971