TED-ED: How did Polynesian wayfinders navigate the Pacific Ocean? - Alan Tamayose and Shantell De Silva

The video explores the ancient Polynesian navigation techniques used to traverse the vast Pacific Ocean. Polynesians relied on natural elements like the sun, stars, and ocean currents to guide their voyages. They built sturdy canoes and involved the community in the process. Navigators used a mental star compass and environmental cues to find direction and detect land. The video highlights the historical context of these voyages and the evidence supporting these methods, including a modern reenactment by the Hokulea canoe.

What methods did ancient Polynesians use for navigation across the Pacific Ocean?

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What factors contributed to the decline of frequent voyages by Polynesian societies around 1300 A.D.?

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What role did community play in the building of canoes for navigation?

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How did the sun and stars assist Polynesian navigators in determining direction?

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What is a star compass and how did it function for Polynesian navigators?

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What are some of the environmental clues that helped navigators find land?

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Discuss the significance of the canoe Hokulea in modern navigation practices.

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