Fiji's Ancient Seafarers Dr. Patrick D. Nunn - Earthwatch Institute

More documents

Recommendations

Info

GPS / GIS Survey Surveys using Global Positioning System (GPS) and Global Information System (GIS) technology involve working as part of a specialist survey team. In-field training will be provided as necessary, but not all volunteers will be assigned to this task. Cave Sediment Excavation In-field training will be provided to volunteers on how to collect core samples and excavate a nearby cave. Not all volunteers will be assigned to this task. No previous experience is needed. Cultural Training and Advice As part of the research team, you should expect to be involved in ceremonies in Vusama Village, particularly at the start and end of the expedition. This will involve the ritual presentation of isevusevu (a welcome gift presented to the village chief, usually a bundle of kava root) by a research team member, and the reciprocation by the Vusama people with a bowl of kava. Volunteers are highly encouraged to drink at least the first bowl of kava as an acceptance to being welcomed into the village. Team members will guide volunteers through this ritual. A similar presentation will be made at the end of the team’s stay. The Indo-Fijian families who live close to the research sites may also expect to meet volunteers when they arrive in the field for the first time, and will perhaps serve a cup of sweet spicy tea. This should also be accepted. Please understand and appreciate that nothing happens quickly in rural Fiji, and impatience is considered rude. Remember that you will be on “Fiji time.” Team members from the Pacific Islands will guide volunteers in this regard, but sometimes the day-to-day achievement of particular goals is made impossible by the need to simply sit down and chat with local people. The success of the project is directly linked to a healthy, positive relationship between the researchers and the local people, and Earthwatch volunteers are expected to act as valuable ambassadors in strengthening this relationship. Please see Section 2 ‘Research Area’ for more information on Fijian customs and protocols. 5. TEAM ITINERARY Day 1 (Sunday) You should plan to arrive in Fiji at least one day prior to the first day of the expedition in order to rest and adjust to the local time. The Principal Investigator and/or Field Team Leaders will meet you at 10:00 am on Day 1. After introductions and the purchase of any last-minute supplies, a hired bus will take the team to Vusama Village for the welcoming ceremony and lunch. The team will spend the afternoon settling in and possibly playing volleyball, swimming in the ocean, etc. A briefing session on the project will be held in the evening. Days 2-7 (Monday-Saturday) The team will conduct fieldwork at sites throughout the Rove Peninsula from approximately 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. The team will take an hour-long lunch break at mid-day to eat packed lunches in the field. After dinner on most evenings the team will participate in a discussion. On Saturday evening the team will relax and socialize in the village. Day 8 (Sunday) The entire village attends church from 10:30 am until 11:45 am each Sunday. Volunteers are not required to attend but most will want to join this community event. After a large lunch, the team will visit Natadola Beach (rated the 10 th most beautiful beach in the world) or another lovely beach, with optional volleyball and ocean swimming available. The evening will include a project briefing. 9
Days 9-14 (Monday-Saturday) These days will be similar to Days 2-7. On Saturday there will be a farewell party (with traditional dancing) for volunteers. Day 15 (Sunday) Volunteers will travel by bus from Vusama to the Hotel Mercure or airport in Nadi, arriving at about 9:30 am. Those wishing to extend their stay in Fiji must make their own arrangements. 6. DAILY SCHEDULE AND TASKS Please be aware that schedules can and do fluctuate due to weather, research needs, etc. Your cooperation and understanding are appreciated. Below is a typical schedule. 6:30 am: Wake up, wash and dress 7:15 am: Communal breakfast in Vusama Community Hall 7:45 am: Prepare for fieldwork and gather supplies for the day 8:00 am: Leave Vusama to walk/drive to the field site (typical journey is about 10 minutes and volunteers will be expected to help carry equipment and set it up) 8:30 am: Begin fieldwork 12:30 pm: Lunch and rest 1:30 pm: Resume fieldwork 5:00 pm: Finish fieldwork and leave for Vusama (volunteers will be expected to help carry, store and clean equipment) 5:15 pm: Afternoon tea and cakes in Vusama Community Hall 5:50 pm: Return to rooms in Vusama, wash and relax 7:30 pm: Communal dinner in Vusama Community Hall 8:30 pm: Team discussion and briefing in Vusama Community Hall 10:00 pm: Sleep 7. ACCOMMODATIONS During the expedition you will stay in Vusama Village, most likely in the home of a village family. Generally, two volunteers of the same gender will share a bedroom with two beds with thin foam mattresses, stiff foam pillows, sheets, blankets, mosquito nets and space on the floor for your luggage. Married couples can request a single room at no extra charge, but this cannot be guaranteed. Private rooms for individuals may beavailable. If necessary, some younger male volunteers may sleep on mattresses (provided) in the Vusama Community Hall, sharing the hall with up to five other male members of the research team. There are no extra or reduced costs for particular types of accommodation. Due to the conservative climate in the village, it will not be possible for homosexual couples or couples who are unmarried to be housed together. Please understand that this does not reflect the views of Earthwatch Institute or of the Fiji’s Ancient Seafarers project staff. Volunteers are asked to respect the cultural beliefs and customs of the villagers. You will be briefed on Fijian traditions and expected behavior in the village homes. While you will have free use of the family room(s) in the house, please be advised of the Fijian tradition of sitting on the floor. Furniture is often in Fijian homes but Earthwatch participants will generally be expected to not sit on the chairs or sofas, even if asked, because doing so would imply that one is superior to those sitting on the floor. Families would 10
Page 1 and 2: 2009 Earthwatch. 2009 EXPEDITION BR
Page 3 and 4: Dear Earthwatcher, Welcome to Earth
Page 5 and 6: Fiji’s Ancient Seafarers Table of
Page 7 and 8: VOLUNTEER FORMS All Earthwatch expe
Page 9 and 10: THE EXPEDITION 1. PROJECT OVERVIEW
Page 11 and 12: 3. PROJECT STAFF Principal Investig
Page 13: DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD 4. VOLUNTEE
Page 17 and 18: Below are examples of the foods you
Page 19 and 20: closely and in the event that the s
Page 21 and 22: 10. PROJECT CONDITIONS Please show
Page 23 and 24: 11. HEALTH INFORMATION See www.inte
Page 25 and 26: Essential Items Make sure to bring
Page 27 and 28: • STA Travel (UK): http://www.sta
Page 29 and 30: The earliest occupation at Bourewa
Page 31 and 32: Objective 5: Excavate cave sediment
Page 33 and 34: Nunn, P.D. 2005. Reconstructing tro
Page 35: Personal Supplies Note: Linens and

Fiji's Ancient Seafarers Dr. Patrick D. Nunn - Earthwatch Institute

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?