MARQUESAS ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD SCHOOL, FRENCH POLYNESIA

This summer, discover an ancient South Pacific culture! 

The Marquesas Archaeological Field School, sponsored by AFAR (Andover Foundation for Archaeological Research), is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about archaeology in practice and intimately experience an indigenous island village at the same time. It will be led by Dr. Barry Rolett of the University of Hawaii (leading his fifteenth archaeological expedition to the islands) and Emily Donaldson (Doctoral student in anthropology at McGill University; BA Harvard; MA University of Chicago).

Now in its eighth year, the project consists of an archaeological dig (no experience necessary!), including post-excavation analysis and mapping.  Our work focuses on the Tahuata valleys of Vaitahu and Hanamiai, where beautifully intact remains of residential and ceremonial centers lie amidst coconut plantations and forests of breadfruit, banana and mango.  Some improvements will also be made to the small, unique community museum of Tahuata, which houses and displays the artifacts we find.  In addition to archaeology and other hands-on research, lectures on Marquesan culture and language will be offered.  Students will also have the opportunity to learn some native crafts such as weaving, making flower leis, jewelry making, fishing, and grating coconuts.

The field school will take place from June 30 to August 11, 2012.  Students will stay with the project leaders in the home of a Marquesan family, equipped with a modern kitchen and toilet facilities (no hot water). The small size of the field school invites students to immerse themselves in the islands and the richness of Marquesan culture! Please see the website for additional information and photographs of past field school projects.

ALL ARE WELCOME. The deadline for finalizing project participants will be here before you know it, so APPLY NOW! All applications must be received by March 15, 2012.

Academic credit from the University of Hawaii can be arranged.  Participants pay for their own airfare, and a tax-deductible donation of $7000 is required for project participation.  This fee covers lodging, food and inter-island transport expenses.

Further information is available at the official website, www.afargo.org .  For additional questions or to apply, please contact Professor Rolett at rolett@hawaii.edu or Emily Donaldson at emily.donaldson@mail.mcgill.ca.

We thank you, and look forward to hearing from you.