A southern Māori perspective on stories of Polynesian polar voyaging

Abstract As Ngāi Tahu (southern Maori), we take issue with widespread reference in scholarly publication to Polynesian voyagers reaching the Antarctic, an idea that originated in the translation of Rarotongan traditions in the nineteenth century. Analysis of those indicates that they contain no plau...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polar Record
Main Authors: Anderson, Atholl, O’Regan, Tipene, Parata-Goodall, Puamiria, Stevens, Michael, Tau, Te Maire
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 2021
Subjects:
Antarctic
The Antarctic
Antarc*
Antarctica
Auckland Islands
Polar Record
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0032247421000693
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0032247421000693
Description
Summary:Abstract As Ngāi Tahu (southern Maori), we take issue with widespread reference in scholarly publication to Polynesian voyagers reaching the Antarctic, an idea that originated in the translation of Rarotongan traditions in the nineteenth century. Analysis of those indicates that they contain no plausible reference to Antarctic seafaring. Southern Māori interests have extended into the Subantarctic Islands for 800 years but there is no reference to Antarctica in our historical traditions. Our archaeology and history document a southern boundary to Māori occupation at Port Ross (Auckland Islands), despite habitable islands existing further south. We think it is very unlikely that Māori or other Polynesian voyaging reached the Antarctic.

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