Contestability in History

Front

What does the concept of contestability relate to?

Back

Explanations or interpretations of past events that are open to debate.

Front

What types of sources do historians have access to?

Back

Artefacts, written records, and artworks.

Front

What can affect the conclusions historians draw from sources?

Back

Damaged artefacts, incomplete artworks, errors in written records, and different interpretations.

Front

What is one exciting aspect of history according to the text?

Back

It is open to debate and often has no right answer.

Front

What do historians generally agree on regarding early Polynesians?

Back

They migrated to various islands across the Pacific Ocean from one point of origin.

Front

What is the 'east–west theory' about Polynesian migration?

Back

It suggests that Polynesians originated from modern-day Peru and floated across the ocean on rafts made of balsa wood.

Front

What do supporters of the 'east–west theory' argue about travel patterns?

Back

Regular wind patterns and ocean currents would allow travel from South America to Polynesia.

Front

What similarities do supporters of the 'east–west theory' point out?

Back

Similarities between Aztec, Incan, and Mayan stone buildings and Polynesian stone statues like the moai.

Front

What is the 'west–east theory' about Polynesian migration?

Back

It suggests that Polynesians originated in Asia and travelled eastwards across the Pacific Ocean.

Front

What evidence supports the 'west–east theory'?

Back

DNA evidence and similarities in languages, belief systems, social structures, and tools between Polynesians and South-East Asians.