Lecture on Pacific Navigation and Polynesian Heritage

Introduction and Funding

• Major funding by Pacific Resources Incorporated (PRI) and Arthur Vining Davis Foundations.
• Additional funding by Hawaii Committee for the Humanities.

Historical Significance of Hawaii

• Hawaii as an island and its connection to Tahiti.
• Historical voyages by Tahitian mariners over a thousand years ago.

1976 Canoe Voyage

• Canoe voyage from Hawaii to Tahiti to retrace historical routes.
• Led by Mau Pialug, a keeper of ancient navigation art.
• Emphasized traditional navigation using stars and waves.

Micronesian Navigation

• Mau Pialug's origins in Micronesia, 2,000 miles west of Hawaii.
• Navigators like Mau vital for survival in Micronesian islands.
• Navigation knowledge passed through generations in Satawal.

Navigational Skills

• Two types of navigators: Palu (sailor) and Po (sailor with magical knowledge).
• Mau is the last Po on his island.
• Importance of navigational knowledge in Satawal's community.

Communal Fishing and Food Sources

• Communal fishing is rare due to reef preservation.
• West Fayou reef provides essential food resources.
• Navigators play crucial roles in community survival.

Western Exploration and Polynesian Discovery

• Captain James Cook's exploration and identification of Polynesian culture.
• Three Pacific cultures: Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia.
• Theories on Polynesian migration from Asia or the Americas.

Thor Heyerdahl's Drift Theory

• 1947 Contiki expedition by Thor Heyerdahl to prove Polynesian drift from South America.
• Cook's belief in Polynesians as skillful sailors and navigators.

Archaeological Evidence

• Archaeological evidence supports Asian migration theory.
• Discoveries in Fiji of Lapita pottery link Polynesians to Asian origins.

Micronesian Canoe Building

• Satawal's canoe construction techniques and its technological significance.
• Canoe houses as centers of knowledge and community.

Archaeological Discoveries in Huahini

• Discoveries of ancient canoe parts and artifacts similar to those in Satawal.
• Significance of pearl shell artifacts and trade in ancient Polynesian culture.

Polynesian Migration and Settlement

• Polynesian expansion from Lapita origins to New Zealand, Easter Island, and Hawaii.
• Archaeological evidence of early Hawaiian settlements and society development.

Reviving Polynesian Navigation

• 1976 Hokulea voyage as a revival of navigational traditions.
• Led by Mau Pialug, utilizing traditional navigation techniques.

Conclusion and Cultural Impact

• Hokulea's voyage celebrated as a cultural renaissance.
• Importance of preserving navigational heritage for future generations.
• Mau Pialug's wish to inspire a new generation to learn ancient navigation skills.

Reflections on Cultural Loss

• Concerns over loss of navigational tradition and younger generation's disinterest.
• Efforts to document and revive navigation skills through film and education.