"Morning, all. What a lovely day to be cooped up inside taking notes." Gabrielle raised an eyebrow, looking over the unimpressed faces of her students with a smirk. "So for the sake of your sanity and mine, I will try and keep this brief." She stepped out from behind the table, pulling up her notes and waving her wand at the board behind her. "Returning to last year's theme of civilizations and monuments - blame the curriculum for the disorder, not me - we're going to have a look at Rapa Nui. Which you may have heard of under its anglicized name, Easter Island." She idly waved her wand again, making some more notes appear and starting to pace as she lectured.
"It's an island in the Pacific Ocean, annexed by Chile in the year 1888. Now, while I could go deep in to the politics of it all, the reason we're discussing Rapa Nui is the moai. You may have heard of them, or seen images of them before. They are giant humanshaped statues - mo'ai is the Rapa Nui word for statue - notable for their large heads. They are up to 70 feet tall, and weigh up to 40 tons." Gabrielle paused, leaning back against her desk and looking over the students. "Their seemingly simplistic style is a hallmark of ancient Polynesian art and architecture, and if you're all on your best behaviour, we'll go all have a look for ourselves before the semester ends." She smirked, putting down her notes and picking her teacup back up, tapping it with her wand to try and warm the brew up. Reheating it really didn't help the taste.
"How the moai were created and moved is something of a marvel. There are three extinct volcanoes on the island - Terevaka, Poike and Rano Kau - and it was from volcanic rock and ash that the moai were carved. To be moved to their current resting places is a triumph of engineering and human strength." Gabrielle paused, giving a smirk. "Of course, we as students of magic like to take these human achievements and say 'um, actually'. One theory is that the moai walked from the volcanic rock from where they were carved. It may have appeared that way with a complex system of ropes and pulleys to get them into place. Wizards may well have aided in levitation, however." Gabrielle shrugged. "I suppose it depends a little bit on your perspective, whether you wish to admire the strength and ingenuity of magic-free methodology, as with the pyramids, or if you feel that that amount of exertion is simply foolish when magic is at your fingertips. Considering that the moai were carved and placed somewhere after early Polynesian arrival on the island - anywhere between the years 800 and 1200 - obviously the Statute of Secrecy was not in place, and we don't truly know the extent of magic use in Pacific civilizations. At least, not with our western knowledge base here. Perhaps if any of you are interested, that's something you could look into after you graduate." Gabrielle gave the students a look, before leaning back, rolling her shoulders.
"Alright, I've kept you inside long enough. Go enjoy the sunshine. Since I'm in such a generous mood, no homework today." She grinned, waving her wand to open the door. "I'll be here a little longer if you need me, otherwise, have a good rest of your day!"
Homework
RP the lesson. That's all!
"It's an island in the Pacific Ocean, annexed by Chile in the year 1888. Now, while I could go deep in to the politics of it all, the reason we're discussing Rapa Nui is the moai. You may have heard of them, or seen images of them before. They are giant humanshaped statues - mo'ai is the Rapa Nui word for statue - notable for their large heads. They are up to 70 feet tall, and weigh up to 40 tons." Gabrielle paused, leaning back against her desk and looking over the students. "Their seemingly simplistic style is a hallmark of ancient Polynesian art and architecture, and if you're all on your best behaviour, we'll go all have a look for ourselves before the semester ends." She smirked, putting down her notes and picking her teacup back up, tapping it with her wand to try and warm the brew up. Reheating it really didn't help the taste.
"How the moai were created and moved is something of a marvel. There are three extinct volcanoes on the island - Terevaka, Poike and Rano Kau - and it was from volcanic rock and ash that the moai were carved. To be moved to their current resting places is a triumph of engineering and human strength." Gabrielle paused, giving a smirk. "Of course, we as students of magic like to take these human achievements and say 'um, actually'. One theory is that the moai walked from the volcanic rock from where they were carved. It may have appeared that way with a complex system of ropes and pulleys to get them into place. Wizards may well have aided in levitation, however." Gabrielle shrugged. "I suppose it depends a little bit on your perspective, whether you wish to admire the strength and ingenuity of magic-free methodology, as with the pyramids, or if you feel that that amount of exertion is simply foolish when magic is at your fingertips. Considering that the moai were carved and placed somewhere after early Polynesian arrival on the island - anywhere between the years 800 and 1200 - obviously the Statute of Secrecy was not in place, and we don't truly know the extent of magic use in Pacific civilizations. At least, not with our western knowledge base here. Perhaps if any of you are interested, that's something you could look into after you graduate." Gabrielle gave the students a look, before leaning back, rolling her shoulders.
"Alright, I've kept you inside long enough. Go enjoy the sunshine. Since I'm in such a generous mood, no homework today." She grinned, waving her wand to open the door. "I'll be here a little longer if you need me, otherwise, have a good rest of your day!"
Homework
RP the lesson. That's all!
