Polynesian Voyagers and Pre-Columbian Exploration

Polynesian Voyagers

• Polynesian voyagers were the most successful navigators in history.
• They travelled across 7 million square miles of ocean to colonize 1,000 islands.
• Polynesian canoes were up to 60 feet long and featured double hulls made from coa tree logs.
• These canoes were built using traditional tools like adzes, and smaller wooden planks were sewn together.
• Crab cloth sails were woven from laala le and coconut fibers.
• It is believed that Polynesian voyagers reached South America between 1,000 and 1,200 AD.
• The odds of them reaching South America before Columbus are extremely high.

Pre-Columbian Exploration Theories

• The ocean acts as a highway for exploration, not a barrier.
• Pre-Columbian exploration relied on the idea that water is easier to cross than land.
• Mountains can isolate populations while water is far less of a barrier.
• The ability of Polynesians to reach remote islands in the Pacific makes it likely they reached North and South America.

Polynesian Voyagers

• Polynesian voyagers successfully traveled across 7 million square miles of ocean, colonizing over 1,000 islands.
• Their canoes, measuring up to 60 feet long, were constructed using traditional tools and featured double hulls made from coa tree logs.
• These canoes used crab cloth sails woven from laala le and coconut fibers.
• It is believed Polynesian voyagers reached South America between 1,000 and 1,200 AD.

Pre-Columbian Exploration Theories

• Water acts as a highway for exploration, making it easier to cross than land.
• Mountains can isolate populations, unlike water.
• The success of Polynesian voyagers reaching remote Pacific islands supports the possibility they reached North and South America.

Polynesian Exploration

• Polynesian explorers successfully settled the Marquesas and Hawaiian Islands around 1000 AD.
• Polynesian voyagers explored the Pacific Ocean and were the first to reach every distant island, covering more than 7 million square miles of ocean.
• Polynesians successfully colonized all 1,000 islands within their territory by 1380 AD.
• Polynesian voyagers navigated using the stars and their knowledge of the ocean currents.
• "Outrigger canoes" (called "waka" or "va'a") are notable for being among the most successful ships in history.
• "Waka" could be as long as 60 feet, with double hulls and a crab cloth sail.
• Polynesian seafaring methods were crucial for crossing vast distances, demonstrating that the ocean is not a barrier to exploration.
• Evidence suggests that Polynesians traveled to South America between 1000 and 1200 AD.
• The likelihood of Polynesian voyages to South America before Columbus is incredibly high.