Prehistory: Pacific Seafarers & Maritime Cultures (p.8-13, 22-29)

The first portion of the text began with seafaring. I had a idea of what the term meant but not exactly. After reading more into the text, I realized that my definition was correct. I never realized that these people who wanted to migrate to other parts of the earth had to figure out a way- by boats. May of these voyages probably werent successful at first because of technical issues when developing their boat. To imagine that these migrators could think of something like a boat that is so complex and be able to successfully reach land at the end of their voyage, says a lot about their intellect and society.

I found it very surprising and interesting that the Polynesian migration was included. Throughout all of my previous history classes I have never heard about the Polynesians' history. i specifically liked reading how the seafaring was incorporated in how the polynesians were able to travel through the Pacific oceans as well as other groups who traveled long distances, crossing oceans.

I also found it very interesting how one of the "branches" of Austronesians left a trail of "distinctive decorated ceramics". This reminded me of the story of "Hansel and Gretel" who left a trail of bread crumbs because it seems as though this branch of  Austronesian people wanted there to be a way for themselves or others to gain a sense of direction.

In the second part of the reading, it described the Native American seafaring more specifically. Much of the evidence throughout all of the text, as a whole, includes supporting evidence of seafaring in the early years. I found the shape of their boats the most interesting. The Native Americans seemed to have built a canoe-like row boat. With their weaving skills, it seems that they would have made a more stable version of a boat.


                                             Reed Boat:

                              



                                             Bull Boat: