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The Divergent Path of Polynesian Peoples

Explore the intriguing differences between the Maori and Moriori Polynesian peoples in New Zealand, despite their common heritage. Learn about historical events that shaped their societal development and the impact of environment on cultural progression. Discuss the broader implications of geography on civilization and wealth distribution.

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The Divergent Path of Polynesian Peoples

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  1. DO NOW: 13,000 years ago, human beings all over the earth lived the same ‘uncivilized’ life. Why do you think that some peoples developed amazing technologies and advanced material cultures, while others have remained poor for most of their history?

  2. These are the Maori people of New Zealand’s North Island.

  3. These were the Moriori people of New Zealand’s Chatham Islands.

  4. New Zealand <----------------------------------------- Maori <-------------------------- Moriori

  5. Both the Maori and Moriori are Polynesian peoples who speak Oceanic dialects of an Austronesian language.

  6. Both groups descend from a common Asian ancestor that arrived in New Zealand around 1000 AD. Genetically speaking, the Maori and Moriori are exactly the same.

  7. But the Maori people built dense, highly populated farming communities, acquired technology and weapons, and followed strong leaders… …while the Moriori people remained weak, isolated, disorganized hunter-gatherers with little or no technology.

  8. “On the Chatham Islands, 500 miles east of [mainland] New Zealand, centuries of independence came to a brutal end for the Moriori people in December 1835. On November 19 of that year, a ship carrying 500 Maori armed with guns, clubs, and axes arrived, followed on December 5 by a shipload of 400 more Maori” (Diamond, 54).

  9. Groups of Maori began to walk through Moriori settlements, announcing that the Moriori were now their slaves, and killing those who objected. “[The Maori] commenced to kill us like sheep… [We] were terrified, fled to the bush, concealed ourselves in holes underground, and in any place to escape our enemies. It was to no avail; we were discovered and killed – men, women, and children indiscriminately.”

  10. “We took possession… in accordance with our customs and we caught all the people. Some ran away from us, these we killed, and others we killed – but what of that? It was in accordance with our custom.” THINK-PAIR-SHARE: Why do you think this happened?

  11. New Zealand’s large North Island is a tropical environment suitable for Polynesian farming. The Maori had crop surpluses and could feed artisans and soldiers. The North Island’s population was over 100,000 in 1835. The Chatham Islands were too far south, and therefore too cold for Polynesian farming. The Moriori had to live by hunting fish and birds by hand or with clubs. Without agriculture or food surpluses, only 2,000 people could live on the tiny islands.

  12. Even though the people are exactly the same, we see that many different cultures have adapted on different Polynesian islands, depending on the environment.

  13. Hawaii’s environment supports high rise condominiums, while the civilization on Easter Island collapsed.

  14. No humans have ever lived on this atoll in Fiji.

  15. DISCUSS IN GROUPS: Do you think the same thing could be true in the rest of the world? If we were all the same 13,000 years ago, how did America get to be the richest country in the world? If it all depends on geography and the environment, how come Columbus invaded America, instead of Geronimo conquering Spain?

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