Polynesian Triangle

Polynesian Triangle

The Polynesian Triangle is a region of the Pacific Ocean anchored by three island groups: Hawai‘i, Easter Island (Rapa Nui) and New Zealand. The many island cultures within this vast triangle speak Polynesian languages which are classified by linguists as part of the Malayo-Polynesian subgroup and thus ultimately derive from the proto-Austronesian language spoken in Southeast Asia 5000 years ago. Polynesians also share similar cultural traditions, arts, religion, and sciences. Anthropologists believe that all modern Polynesian cultures descend from a single protoculture established in the South Pacific by migrant Malayo-Polynesian people ("see also" Lapita).

The seven main Polynesian cultures are from:

* New Zealand (Aotearoa in contemporary Māori)
* Hawai‘i
* Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
* Marquesas (Te Fenua ‘Enata / Te Henua Kenana)
* Sāmoa
* Tahiti
* Tonga

Fiji has a Melanesian culture but one with significant Polynesian influence. It is sometimes mistaken for being a part of Polynesia.

ee also

* Ancient Hawai‘i

External links

* [http://www.bishopmuseum.org/ Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum]
* [http://www.polynesia.com/ Polynesian Cultural Center]


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