The Polynesians developed long distance navigational skills. Describe how far the Polynesian could travel and why this was possible. Also identify what they used for navigational tools, and explain the effect of these long distance voyages

Answer 1

The Polynesians were able to travel vast distances across the Pacific Ocean, traversing thousands of miles to reach various islands such as Hawaii, New Zealand, and Easter Island. This was made possible by their advanced navigational skills, passed down through generations, which enabled them to accurately find their way across the open sea.

Polynesian navigators used a combination of celestial navigation, observing the stars and the sun, and wayfinding techniques such as reading the swell patterns, bird migration patterns, and cloud formations to guide their way. They also used traditional tools such as a stick chart, which represented ocean currents and wave patterns, and a kamal (a wooden implement used to measure angles) to navigate their way.

The effect of these long-distance voyages was significant, as it led to the colonization and settlement of some of the most remote islands in the Pacific. The Polynesians were able to establish thriving communities and trade networks across the region, exchanging goods, resources, and knowledge with other indigenous peoples. This interconnectedness ultimately shaped the cultural and historical development of the Polynesian people and their descendants.

Overall, the Polynesians' ability to navigate vast distances across the Pacific Ocean highlights their ingenuity and adaptability as seafarers, and their voyages had a lasting impact on the settlement and development of the Pacific islands.