Museo Antropológico Sebastián Englert

Rapa Nui (Easter Island)


This well-organized museum makes a perfect introduction to the island's history and culture. It displays basalt fishhooks, obsidian spearheads and other weapons, circular beehive-shaped huts, petroglyphs, funerary cists and a rare female moai. It also features replica Rongorongo tablets, covered in rows of tiny symbols resembling hieroglyphs.

Researchers have proposed various theories on the nature of the script, but it's still an enigma to decipher.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Rapa Nui (Easter Island) attractions

1. Ahu Tahai

0.26 MILES

Ahu Tahai is a highly photogenic site that contains three restored ahu (ceremonial platform). Ahu Tahai proper is the ahu in the middle, supporting a…

2. Ahu Akapu

0.32 MILES

You'll find this ahu with a solitary moai along the coastline, north of Hanga Roa.

3. Caleta Hanga Roa

0.8 MILES

Your first encounter with the moai will probably take place at Ahu Tautira, which overlooks Caleta Hanga Roa, the fishing port in Hanga Roa at the foot of…

4. Iglesia Hanga Roa

0.82 MILES

The unmissable Iglesia Hanga Roa, the island's Catholic church, is well worth a visit for its spectacular carvings, which integrate Christian doctrine…

5. Ahu Tautira

0.83 MILES

If you've just arrived and can't wait for your first encounter with the moai (large anthropomorphic statues), head straight to Ahu Tautira. This site…

6. Playa Pea

0.9 MILES

For a little dip, the tiny beach at Playa Pea, on the south side of Caleta Hanga Roa, fits the bill (though it's more of a rocky cove than a sandy oasis).

7. Puna Pau

1.47 MILES

The volcanic Puna Pau quarry was used to make the reddish, cylindrical pukao (topknots) that were placed on many moai. Some 60 of these were transported…

8. Caleta Hanga Piko

1.51 MILES

Easily overlooked by visitors, the little Caleta Hanga Piko is used by local fishers. Facing away from the caleta, the restored Ahu Riata supports a…