Mystery of the Pacific Ocean

The Europeans' "discovery" of the Pacific Island began in the 16th century as they groped their way eastward from around the Cape of Good Hope, or westward from around Cape Horn.


But what they found were island cultures that had existed for a long time, complete with royal hierarchies and elaborate ceremonies: complex societies with long histories.


Captain Cook was one of the first to wonder: just how did they get there? And when?

The story of the first settlers of the Pacific Islands has gradually emerged, thanks to the efforts of many archaeologists, agronomists, oceanographers and even linguists. And of many present day Polynesian people who are delving into their past and recording information for the future generations of island people.


In this blog I will record what has been learned about these early explorers whom we now know began an extraordinary journey from Southern China, back in the Stone Age.


It's a story that has to be told.

Friday, February 1, 2013

NAVIGATION WITHOUT GADGETS

If you want to learn more about just HOW did the Stone Age, Austronesian people find their way across vast distances of empty ocean - without maps, without compasses nor sextants, then there is a book you must read.

David Lewis, sailor and navigator from London, actually went to today's Micronesia to an island where it was known that old sailors still used traditional methods for navigation at sea. He lived and sailed with these knowledgeable people and learned from them, earning their respect.

He recorded for posterity what he learned in two books:

"We the Navigators" and "The Voyaging Stars"

These books are still readily available. 

The ocean navigators he sailed with had advanced 'star maps' in their minds and knew many locations by the stars above.

One marvels at what skills modern man has lost.  The younger islanders now use outboard motor boats and GPS.  Thank goodness there are those among us like David Lewis who have recorded the amazing skills of so called 'primitive peoples'.
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