1916.36.336

Collection type

Object

Description

Turtle shell plaque with drilled holes along one edge.

Geographical reference

Rapa Nui

Oceania > Polynesia > Rapa Nui

Person

Field collector William Scoresby Routledge

Field collector Katherine Maria Routledge

PRM source William Scoresby Routledge

Date / Period

Date made: Before 18/08/1915

Date collected

Between 29 March 1914 and 18 August 1915

Acquisition information

Donated: 1916 Found unentered: 26/02/2004

Materials and processes

Material Turtleshell Reptile, Process Perforated

Dimensions

Width: max 93 mm, Length: max 180 mm

Object numbers

Accession number: 1916.36.336

Research and responses

Dr Jo Anne Van Tilburg and Christian Arevalo Pakarati (an Rapanui speaking artist from Easter Island) noted during a research visit on 26/2/2004 that the correct local Rapanui term for this object is 'honu tara', honu meaning turtle and tara meaning strength. [ZM 10/3/2004]

Please note that the Routledge's published account of their journey includes many specific object references, drawings, maps and photographs. Please refer to: Routledge, Mrs. [Katherine] Scoresby Routledge (1919) The Mystery of Easter Island: The Story of an Expedition. London: Sifton, Praed & Co. Ltd. [L.Ph 29/4/2004]

Please note that the unpublished field notes relating to this expedition are at the Royal Geographical Society. This information was found on p. 334 of the biography of Katherine Routledge (Pease): van Tilburg, Jo Anne (2003) Among Stone Giants: The Life of Katherine Routledge and her Remarkable Expedition to Easter Island. London: Scribner. [L.Ph 29/4/2004]

Search terms: Ornament, Breast Ornament, Waist Ornament