Sea turtles are deeply rooted in Pacific cultures. Rapa Nui (Easter Island, Chile) has a complex societal and ecological history and marine resources have always been exploited; nevertheless, little is known about relationships between these resources and Rapanui islanders. This study aims to explore the historical and contemporary role of sea turtles on Rapa Nui, contrasting it with information from other Pacific region societies. We triangulated information through a literature review, semi-structured interviews, and participant observations. Our results show a strong cultural connection between Rapa Nui and other Pacific islands, with turtles represented in their art, culture, mythology, symbolism, popular traditions, and ritual and spiritual life. Use of these animals on Rapa Nui has varied historically, and nowadays turtle consumption is widely rejected among Rapanui community members. Currently, sea turtles have a crucial role in tourism, constituting an opportunity for local development, further knowledge, and conservation of natural heritage. Rocío Álvarez-Varas et al. 254

中文翻译：

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海龟在拉帕努伊岛（复活节岛）上的文化作用：太平洋岛屿区域的时空对比

海龟深深植根于太平洋文化。拉帕努伊（Rapa Nui）（智利复活节岛）具有复杂的社会和生态历史，海洋资源一直被开发；但是，对于这些资源与拉帕努伊岛民之间的关系知之甚少。这项研究旨在探讨海龟在拉帕努伊（Rapa Nui）上的历史和当代作用，并将其与其他太平洋地区社会的信息进行对比。我们通过文献综述，半结构化访谈和参与者观察对信息进行了三角划分。我们的研究结果表明，拉帕努伊岛（Rapa Nui）与其他太平洋岛屿之间有着深厚的文化联系，乌龟以其艺术，文化，神话，象征主义，流行的传统以及仪式和精神生活所代表。在拉帕努伊（Rapa Nui）上使用这些动物的历史有所不同，如今，拉帕努伊社区成员普遍拒绝食用龟。目前，海龟在旅游业中具有至关重要的作用，为当地发展，进一步了解和保护自然遗产提供了机会。RocíoÁlvarez-Varas等。254