A recent study has concluded that Polynesians likely discovered Antarctica roughly 1100 years before it was officially discovered early in the 18th cent. This really should come as no surprise as they are rightfully regarded as superb seamen and lived in the region and responsible for what is regarded as the final wave of human migration across the South Pacific starting around 2000 years ago and ending some 600 to 700 years ago.
The conclusion isn't based upon anything physical, such as finding Polynesian artifacts or the remains of a settlement, but rather on searching through old oral traditions and stories. That of course makes their conclusion much more tentative. Such things can morph over the centuries.
The paper, A short scan of Māori journeys to Antarctica, is available at the hyperlink provided. Here is the abstract from it
The conclusion isn't based upon anything physical, such as finding Polynesian artifacts or the remains of a settlement, but rather on searching through old oral traditions and stories. That of course makes their conclusion much more tentative. Such things can morph over the centuries.
The paper, A short scan of Māori journeys to Antarctica, is available at the hyperlink provided. Here is the abstract from it
Abstract:
The narratives of under-represented groups and their connection to Antarctica remain poorly documented and acknowledged in the research literature. This paper begins to fill this gap. Our exploration of Māori connections to Antarctica details first voyagers through to involvement in recent science projects, as well as representations of mātauranga in carving and weaving. This exploration begins to construct a richer and more inclusive picture of Antarctica’s relationship with humanity. By detailing these historical and contemporary connections, we build a platform on which much wider conversations about New Zealand relationships with Antarctica can be furthered. More than this, however, we create space for other under-represented groups and peoples to articulate their narratives of connection to the southern land- and sea-scapes. In so doing, we provide significant first steps for uncovering the rich and varied ways in which Antarctica features in the lives and futures of indigenous and other under-represented communities.
The narratives of under-represented groups and their connection to Antarctica remain poorly documented and acknowledged in the research literature. This paper begins to fill this gap. Our exploration of Māori connections to Antarctica details first voyagers through to involvement in recent science projects, as well as representations of mātauranga in carving and weaving. This exploration begins to construct a richer and more inclusive picture of Antarctica’s relationship with humanity. By detailing these historical and contemporary connections, we build a platform on which much wider conversations about New Zealand relationships with Antarctica can be furthered. More than this, however, we create space for other under-represented groups and peoples to articulate their narratives of connection to the southern land- and sea-scapes. In so doing, we provide significant first steps for uncovering the rich and varied ways in which Antarctica features in the lives and futures of indigenous and other under-represented communities.
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