Culture of Polynesia

Culture of the Indigenous people of the Polynesian islands Tānemāhuta, a modern interpretation of an ancient Tahitian deity The culture of Polynesia involves the culture of the Indigenous peoples of Polynesia who share common traits in language, customs and society. The development of Polynesian culture is typically divided into four different historical eras: Exploration and settlement (c. 1800 BC – c. AD 700) Development in isolation (c. 700–1595) European encounter and colonization until World War II (1595–1946) Post-World War II period History Origins, exploration and settlement (c. 1800 BC – c. 700 AD) From Taiwan through Melanesia to Polynesia, and earlier migration to Australia and New Guinea. New Zealand was one of the last major lands to be settled by humans. Tahitian sailing canoes, c. 1846 and 1847 Maternal mitochondrial DNA analysis suggests that Polynesians, including Samoans, Tongans, Niueans, Cook Islanders, Tahitians, Hawaiians, Marquesans and Māori, are genetically linked to indigenous peoples of parts of Maritime Southeast Asia including those of Taiwanese aborigines. This DNA evidence is supported by linguistic and archeological evidence. Recent studie