EASTERN PACIFIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION

The Eastern Pacific Research Foundation (EPRF) is a 501(c) non-profit organization sponsoring archaeological and historical research over a vast area of the Pacific Ocean known as Eastern Polynesia which includes the isolated islands of the Pitcairn Group and Easter Island plus the archipelagos of the Society, Marquesas, Austral, Gambier, and Tuamotu Islands.

Through a system of fundraising activities, grants, and member contributions the EPRF supports local research organizations and individuals enabling them to further their research in these areas and develop specific projects; general research programs; scientific conferences; and publications, including publication of accumulated data from past expeditions and research.

Expeditions for volunteers are scheduled on a regular basis matching pre-planned research activities in specific island groups. This enables the volunteers to acquire an in-depth knowledge of the area under study through active participation in archaeological fieldwork, work tours and lectures by renowned specialists who have lived and worked on the area for many years, besides a day to day contact with the local island inhabitants.

While knowledge of cartography, drafting, photography or previous field experience is welcome; no specific skills are necessary to participate. Basic training is provided at our research center or on site in the field.

EASTERN PACIFIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Report of the Archaeological Fieldwork
Carried out in the Island of
Raivavae, Austral Islands, French Polynesia
First Session May – June 2007

 Participants: Edmundo Edwards (archaeologist), Mara Riroroko (field assistant), Alexandra Edwards (field assistant and videographer), Becky Cox (volunteer)

PHOTO 1. Head of statue carved in red tuff found by EPRF team on Raivavae this season.  

This year we have organized two trips to Raivavae, the first one, referred to in the report below took place between May 15 and June 7. During this stay most of our time was taken in mapping and recording some sites that had not been recorded previously, developing joint educational projects with the local Primary School, and shooting missing footage of a DVD on the Archaeology and History of Raivavae (most of which was shot last year). Next September Edmundo Edwards, Mara Rirorolo, Patricia Vargas and Claudio Cristino will return to Raivavae to continue with our programmed excavations for another three weeks.

Read the full June 2007 Report at EPRF June 2007 Report