Polynesian odyssey [electronic resource].

Paris : Point du Jour International, 2009.

1 online resource (53 min.).

Access is available to the Yale community.

Access restricted by licensing agreement.

Lost in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, the Polynesian islands are like an oasis in a maritime desert. Hawaii, the Easter Islands, New Zealand, French Polynesia ... All of these islands are inhabited by one and the same people: the Polynesians. Men landed on these volcanic shores lined with coconut trees at the dawn of time. Where did they come from? From South America, from Asia? Did they just "drift" to these islands by chance or accident or did they populate these islands with purpose and intent? The answer to this mystery has been holding travellers in thrall. Throughout the 20th century, many explorers and scientists from all over the world set out to unravel the enigma: Eric de Bisschop, Thor Heyerdahl, Francis Cowan, David Lewis, James Siers ... They discovered the forgotten history of an ancient boat, the double pirogue, and how to navigate without compass - to be guided only by the stars, the currents and the birds, just like the ancient seafarers. Their adventures confirm more recent scientific discoveries. 1500 years before Magellan first sailed around the world, the Polynesians had already colonised methodically the smallest specks of land in this vast Ocean ...

Ethnographic video online.

Previously released as DVD.

Images / Online / Video & Film

French

December 11, 2013

Ethnographic video online ; volume 1

Polynesia > Discovery and exploration.