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

[lisacuddy.livejournal.com]

This is purely my own thoughts, but the area is also called Te Pito te Henua, which means Navel of the World, which indicates to me a culture that is a bit more balanced in its perceptions of gender roles, even if the moai were male figures. Considering which chakra the navel is of course, although that concept is not of that culture, I find the parallel interesting. There's something sexual about the entire thing, although that may be my colonial upbringing talking.

I've also read that the production of the statues could have lead to a complete ecological disaster that descended into blood-thirsty anarchy. That may be a bit extreme, but the lesson on greed and the dangers of exploiting the environment for our own devices may be more important than the truth in this case.

[threeweapons.livejournal.com]

A note flies over Lisa's head and lands on her notes. Lisa - where are you getting this stuff? I've read about half the library and am mostly clueless here. - Alanna.