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Thor Heyerdahl and the Voyage of the Kon-Tiki with James Grant-Peterkin


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Step aboard the world-famous Kon-Tiki raft and learn all about Thor Heyerdahl’s unique transpacific voyage, aimed at disproving all the contemporary theories about human settlement in the Pacific. When the crew wrecked on a coral atoll in French Polynesia 101 days later, how had they all managed to survive, and what, if anything, had they learned? 

The beloved Norwegian explorer would ultimately live a lifetime full of pioneering adventures, all in the name of archaeological study and human advancement. This talk will also include information about Heyerdahl’s solitary living in Polynesia, his excavations on Easter Island, and his crossing of the Atlantic in a reed boat to prove that the Egyptians might have reached the New World long before Columbus. 

Led by an expert on Polynesia, James Grant-Peterkin, this Conversation will give you an insight into the fascinating history of Thor Heyerdahl and his theories on cultural exchanges across the oceans. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of the man, the raft, and the legacy that he has left behind. 

James Grant-Peterkin is a graduate of Cambridge University and is the British Honorary Consul on Easter Island. He has been studying Polynesian culture, linguistics, and archaeology for over 20 years, most of those while living on Easter Island itself, and is author of the guidebook “A Companion to Easter Island”. He has lectured extensively on Eastern Polynesia, both on cruise ships and at educational institutions worldwide.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
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J
J (Vancouver, CA)
Kontiki - the legend and the reality!

James is an excellent presenter. Wonderful overview of both Thor Heyerdahl and the KonTiki expedition. The story we had read as kids. Totally amazing to rediscover.

A
Anonymous (Jamaica Plain, US)
Six Men and A Parrot

What a fun talk! Fascinating to learn more about the adventuresome soul of Thor Heyerdahl. Ironic how a man who wanted to leave society ultimately spent years trying to find ways in which people connected. Wonderfully told by James Grant-Peterkin, a truly gifted educator and speaker who makes learning easy, enjoyable, and memorable.

S
Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
Interesting Saga behind the Kon-Tiki Journey

Having read the 2 main books by Thor Heyerdahl when young, this seminar really filled in the facts of his life and quest for me. The speaker related an excellent summary and discussed the true story behind the trek. Visuals were awesome. Now, I am prompted to re-read the original book again and be immersed in the adventure. A very wonderful session!

Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
100%
(3)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
J
J (Vancouver, CA)
Kontiki - the legend and the reality!

James is an excellent presenter. Wonderful overview of both Thor Heyerdahl and the KonTiki expedition. The story we had read as kids. Totally amazing to rediscover.

A
Anonymous (Jamaica Plain, US)
Six Men and A Parrot

What a fun talk! Fascinating to learn more about the adventuresome soul of Thor Heyerdahl. Ironic how a man who wanted to leave society ultimately spent years trying to find ways in which people connected. Wonderfully told by James Grant-Peterkin, a truly gifted educator and speaker who makes learning easy, enjoyable, and memorable.

S
Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
Interesting Saga behind the Kon-Tiki Journey

Having read the 2 main books by Thor Heyerdahl when young, this seminar really filled in the facts of his life and quest for me. The speaker related an excellent summary and discussed the true story behind the trek. Visuals were awesome. Now, I am prompted to re-read the original book again and be immersed in the adventure. A very wonderful session!