Images of Rapa Nui Museum
Rapa Nui Museum and its collection
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The Father Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum is situated in the town of Hanga Roa on Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, in Chilean Polynesia. Named after the Bavarian missionary, Fr. Sebastian Englert, the museum was established in 1973 and is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Rapa Nui. The museum is managed by the Chilean National Service of Cultural Heritage and houses the William Mulloy Library.
Museum Collection
The museum's collection comprises approximately 15,000 objects. These include items collected by Sebastian Englert, as well as the archives of decades of archaeological investigation. The museum houses the only female mo‘ai, as well as one of the coral eyes that were placed in the mo‘ai. There are obsidian stone tools, wood statuettes, ancient fish hooks, as well as a photographic collection and archives of traditional music. The museum also includes displays of rongorongo glyphs.
The William Mulloy Library
The William Mulloy Library is an integral part of the museum and houses an extensive collection of scientific literature about the island. This library serves as a valuable resource for researchers and visitors interested in learning more about the history and culture of Rapa Nui.
Repatriation and Reburial Program
Since 2013, an independent program of repatriation and reburial of ivi tupana (human remains) has been in place. This program is led by members of the Rapa Nui community in collaboration with researchers and the museum. This initiative reflects the respect and care for the ancestral remains and the cultural heritage of the Rapa Nui people.
ESMuseo de Rapa Nui
FRMusée anthropologique Père-Sébastien-Englert
ESMuseo Rapa Nui
ESMuseo Antropológico Padre Sebastián Englert
History & Anthropology Nature & Natural History Archaeology Ethnology Religion