Introduction to World History to 1600 - #17

[abe-no-seimei.livejournal.com]

Introduction to World History to 1600 (Terran)
Monday 1:00-3:00 pm

Seimei came in, a fan held to his nose. He nodded briefly and then stopped. Statue still, he lingered until a violent sneeze shook his body. Sighing, he waved the fan toward the discussion question and sat at his table while Mitsumushi busied around keeping his tea cup filled.

In 1400–1500, the production of moai on Rapa Nui reached its apex. What was their significance to the culture and what reasons are theorized for the decline of creation and erection.

Comments

[notcalledlizzie.livejournal.com]

The moai, all of which are male, are believed to represent the ancestors of the Polynesian chieftains that ruled the island. These chiefs legitimated their authority via their ability to mediate with powerful ancestor-gods on behalf of their people, to secure earthly blessings such as a bountiful harvest. Contrary to popular conception, the moai do not face the sea. Although they sat on ahu platforms near the seashore, where they could straddle the sacred border between the Earth, Sea, and Sky, they faced inland so they could watch over the people.

One of the reasons theorized is the decline in resources used to make them.