Polynesians: Prehistory of an Island People

Ancient Peoples and Places

by Peter Bellwood

Describes what is known or surmised through archaeological records about the prehistoric culture of Polynesian peoples, their languages, navigational skills, arts and customs

Genres: History

176 pages, Paperback

First published August 7, 1978

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

After my trip to Hawaii (and a few tantalizing tidbits of information), I wanted to learn more about the origin and travels of the Polynesian people. Sure, I read all about the environmental disasters precipitated by the Polynesians in Guns, Germs, and Steel, but I wanted to learn about the Polynesians themselves this time. This book told me everything I wanted to know. It is a detailed, scientific (read "dry" - there are many figures, but no pretty pictures) review of languages, ethnography, anthropology, and archaeology across all the major islands of Polynesia. The version I read was from 1978, and I wonder if the updated version makes use of DNA tracing technology that has been developed since then. It seems to me that this would be a useful tool in establishing the chronology of Polynesian expansion and origins.

[Sindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recognising that this book was written and published in the 1970s, is still a nice and easy read to gain an overview of some major themes spoken of at that time. Of course, research of the Polynesians have rapidly moved ahead since.

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting and quick read. Seems to be well researched and covers a lot of cool and interesting places I hadn’t heard of in the Pacific islands. Makes me want to get out and explore the forgotten and now uninhabited islands to see what the people before have left behind. I particularly enjoyed the section on Easter Island. Very interesting.