Polynesian populations maintained extensive inter-island contact before European arrival.
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 87/100
Archaeological, geochemical, and genetic evidence clearly shows that Polynesian populations maintained extensive and enduring inter-island contact and trade networks across the Pacific before European arrival.
Evidence for · 4
Ancient voyaging and Polynesian origins.
2011 · cited by 74
The paper finds evidence of maternal gene flow and voyaging corridors connecting distant Pacific regions over extended periods.
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More for · 3
Paths and timings of the peopling of Polynesia inferred from genomic networks.
2021 · cited by 35
Genomic data reveals a vast and interconnected Polynesian island network across the Pacific, indicating sustained contact.
Cook Island artifact geochemistry demonstrates spatial and temporal extent of pre-European interarchipelago voyaging in East Polynesia.
2016 · cited by 9
Geochemical analyses of prehistoric stone adzes demonstrate long-distance, inter-archipelago trade and voyaging in East Polynesia spanning centuries.
Rediscovering Polynesian Navigation through Experimental Voyaging
1993 · cited by 5
Experimental voyaging demonstrates that ancient Polynesians possessed the technology and navigational skills required for extensive inter-island contact.