Polynesia

Polynesia (from Greek, poly = many and nesos = island) is a large grouping of over 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean.

History

The spread of pottery and domesticates in Polynesia is connected with the Lapita-culture which around 1600-1200 B.C., started expanding from New Guinea as far east as Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. During this time the aspects of the Polynesian culture developed, especially on the islands of Samoa and Tonga. Around 300 B.C., this new Polynesian people spread from Samoa and Tonga to Cook Islands, Tahiti-nui, Tuamotus, and Hive. This was supported by Patrick Kirch and Marshall Weisler when they performed X-ray fluorescence sourcing of basalt artifacts found on both islands http://sscl.berkeley.edu/~oal/background/polyhist.htm Around 300 A.D. or earlier, the Polynesians discovered and settled Easter Island. This is supported by archeaological evidence as well as the introduction of flora and fauna consistent with the Polynesian culture, which lives in the tropics, to this non-tropical island. Around 400 A.D. Hawai'i was settled by the Polynesians and around 1000 A.D. New Zealand was settled as well.

Related Topics:
Lapita - New Guinea - Fiji - Cook Islands - Tahiti-nui - Tuamotus - Hive - Patrick Kirch - Marshall Weisler - X-ray - Basalt - 300 - 1000

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For information about colonisation and independence, follow the links for each nation.

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