Doing Indigenous Archaeology in Rapa Nui: How, Where and When
Come join us for an exciting speccial guest lecture at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research offered by Rapanui archaeologist Enerike Ngaara Te Manu Carrasco Hotu focusing on their recent projects with Indigenous Rapanui communities.
Synopsis:
Few places in the world have been as influenced by archaeology as Rapa Nui (Easter Island). So much so that just as the tree does not allow us to see the forest, the moai does not allow us to see the people. The constant focus on the mysterious Rongorongo script and megalithic monuments in conditions of extreme isolation have not allowed us to delve into other more everyday aspects of the life of the ancient Rapa Nui, such as the containment of drinking water, agricultural practices and types of artifacts.In this presentation, the relevance of an indigenous approach to archaeological research on Rapa Nui, the easternmost island of Polynesia, will be presented. Through an analysis of different experiences such as work in museums, community, academic, cultural and repatriation experiences, we seek to analyze how two different worlds, modern science and traditional Rapa Nui knowledge, can work hand in hand in pursuit of a better understanding of the past.The importance of active community participation in all stages of archaeological work in indigenous territories is fundamental not only to show respect to the ancient inhabitants of those spaces, but also because it is the only way to delve into the deeper aspects of the culture. Ancestral wisdom must accompany scientific work, from the formulation of a problem to the interpretation and uses to which that knowledge is put.
Speaker:
Enerike Ngaara Te Manu Carrasco Hotu is a Rapanui archaeologist at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. He was born and raised all his life in a Rapanui environment. Learning since he was a child the local professions of music, dances, oral tradition, toponymy, carving, agriculture, fishing and our values. He decided to study archaeology because it was from the work with material culture that he wanted to be a contribution to his homeland and culture. Especially considering the great abundance of archaeology in Rapanui. Enerike has worked in multiple areas of archaeology, museums, heritage management, research and art. He is also president of the Federation of Rapa Nui students, Haka Nonoga and also of Herekiteaka, a group that seeks to do archaeology from a Rapanui perspective. See one of his recent projects: https://museo.precolombino.cl/la-visita-de-escultores-y-artesanos-rapanui/
Organization: Herekiteaka, Council of Elders of Rapa Nui
