Polynesian Exploration

Short History Of...

Noiser

History

4.7 • 4.9K Ratings

🗓️ 5 May 2024

⏱️ 49 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Modern genetics tells us that the residents of the far-flung Polynesian islands are one of the most closely related people in the world. But, thanks to the exploration of their ancestors, they’re also the most widely dispersed. Polynesian exploration of the Pacific has been compared to humankind’s missions into space, and has led to a unique and vibrant culture for these islanders. So what do these people scattered across 1,000 islands have in common? How did the earliest pioneers survive epic journeys at sea? And what enables sailors to navigate such treacherous waters without any form of writing or physical map-making? This is a Short History Of Polynesian Exploration. A Noiser production, written by Jo Furniss. With thanks to Dr Christina Thompson, editor of the Harvard Review, and author of the book Sea People, The Puzzle of Polynesia. Get every episode of Short History Of a week early with Noiser+. You’ll also get ad-free listening, bonus material, and early access to shows across the Noiser network. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by Pepsi Max.
0:03.0	Pepsi Max knows the music isn't just a soundtrack.
0:06.0	It's a pulse, and every city has its own.
0:09.0	That's why they teamed up with Spotify to measure the musical taste of cities across the UK
0:14.4	and create a playlist that matches their pulse perfectly.
0:17.6	From Glasgow's dance scene to the rap game in Birmingham.
0:21.1	Search for Pepsi Max's profile on Spotify to hear the music your nearest city
0:25.6	loves. Brought to you by Pepsi Max. Dusty for more.
0:30.4	It is the 1st of May, 1976.
0:35.0	A strange-looking vessel set sail from the harbour in Maui, the second largest island in Hawaii.
0:42.0	It resembles... Maui, the second largest island in Hawaii.
0:44.6	It resembles a large catamara with two red canoes joined by wooden beams, and a covered
0:50.8	platform where the crew of 20 people can rest, eat, and take shelter when off duty.
0:57.0	High above their heads, two triangular canvas sails catch the breeze,
1:02.0	and the twin hulls sliced through the water like fins.
1:09.2	As the peaks of Hawaii shrink on the horizon, the crew settle down for a long and uncertain journey.
1:16.3	A man called Mao Piauluk is in charge. He's not the captain, but the success of this voyage will depend on his skills.
1:27.0	He comes from the island of Sutterwa in the remote Caroline archipelago.
1:32.0	His father and grandfather was celebrated sailors. From
1:36.2	then he learned navigational techniques known as the Talk of the Sea. Now he faces his greatest test. Though Mao has no map, compass or coordinates, he knows the way.
1:50.9	Their destination is Tahiti in French Polynesia, an island 2,600 nautical miles south.
1:58.0	They see nothing but ocean and clouds and clouds on.
	...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Noiser, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Noiser and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.