Outline the Different Theories and Controversies Surrounding the Discovery of and Settlement of New Zealand by East Polynesians.
Outline the different theories and controversies surrounding the discovery of and settlement of New Zealand by East Polynesians.
The discovery and settlement of new land in the world often involve myths. Similarly, there have been different theories and controversies surrounding the discovery of and settlement of New Zealand by East Polynesians. East Polynesians can be defined as a distinct ethnic group inhabiting Pacific islands such as the Society, Marquesas and New Zealand. This essay will outline three issues, including the validity of the story of Kupe, whether the voyages to New Zealand were planned or accidental, and the time period of the arrival of the first settlers to New Zealand.
The first controversial issue involves the validity of the story of Kupe, which has long been questioned whether it was a myth or reality. According to the story, Kupe, a Polynesian navigator, discovered the land of new Zealand. In 1350, a great fleet of seven canoes arrived to defeat the Moriori and established the first mass arrival of Polynesian settlers. However, while this story was perceived as a fact for nearly a hundred years and had been taught to many generations, its validity was questioned by historians. Historians argued that there was no great fleet. Michael King referred to the fact that only half the tribes had stories about Kupe. Hence, many “facts” of the Great Myth had been discredited despite being passed on from generation to generation.
Secondly, the issue on whether the voyages to New Zealand were planned or accidental was discussed. While it was possible that accidental voyages could have led to the successful discovery of a new land, normal conditions generally did not permit it to occur. According to Sir Peter Buck, the Polynesians were excellent boat builders and navigators, which allowed them to be termed as “Vikings of Sunrise”. Their double-hulled canoes were safe and flexible, allowing them to travel long distances. James Cook had
The discovery and settlement of new land in the world often involve myths. Similarly, there have been different theories and controversies surrounding the discovery of and settlement of New Zealand by East Polynesians. East Polynesians can be defined as a distinct ethnic group inhabiting Pacific islands such as the Society, Marquesas and New Zealand. This essay will outline three issues, including the validity of the story of Kupe, whether the voyages to New Zealand were planned or accidental, and the time period of the arrival of the first settlers to New Zealand.
The first controversial issue involves the validity of the story of Kupe, which has long been questioned whether it was a myth or reality. According to the story, Kupe, a Polynesian navigator, discovered the land of new Zealand. In 1350, a great fleet of seven canoes arrived to defeat the Moriori and established the first mass arrival of Polynesian settlers. However, while this story was perceived as a fact for nearly a hundred years and had been taught to many generations, its validity was questioned by historians. Historians argued that there was no great fleet. Michael King referred to the fact that only half the tribes had stories about Kupe. Hence, many “facts” of the Great Myth had been discredited despite being passed on from generation to generation.
Secondly, the issue on whether the voyages to New Zealand were planned or accidental was discussed. While it was possible that accidental voyages could have led to the successful discovery of a new land, normal conditions generally did not permit it to occur. According to Sir Peter Buck, the Polynesians were excellent boat builders and navigators, which allowed them to be termed as “Vikings of Sunrise”. Their double-hulled canoes were safe and flexible, allowing them to travel long distances. James Cook had