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43: The Polynesian / Haida connection
We have mentioned before that there are similarities between North-West American (Haida) cultures and Pacific cultures that suggest contact, travel to and from or migration of some 2000 years ago at least. With similarities existing, you cannot deny at least the possibility of a link, although who knows how old those links are and whether they are East-West connections, West-East, or back and forth travel.
Some say Polynesians came from the SE Asia, others say from Peru, still more say from Canada, and some suggest China. In fact they are all correct but some migrations and populations are more dominant, mainly the Asian migration through Melanesia. But it is equally true that South America had some visit Rapanui of which some came here. You only have to look at photos of full blooded Rapanuians to see they have features more European like and longer skulls and facial features tha any Polynesian from traditional sources. However, here we will examine the Polynesian/Haida/Inuit link.
Similarities between Polynesia and Coastal Canadian cultures:
The use of pottery was completely absent in both cultures.
The design and way of manufacture of the following artifacts bear a striking resemblance:
Tahitian and Haida stone pounders are almost identical.
Stone bowls found in Kaua'i and stone bowls found in the Bella Coola valley from a pre-existing culture are very similar.
Maori and NW Coastal Indian war clubs both have the gaping angry mouth motif on the handle.
Tattooing tool kit design indicates Polynesian kit derived from Haida tattooing implements.
Fish hook design is almost identical.
Fish hook pendants are also identical,
Harpoon heads are similar
Petroglyphs are similar.
Spiritual carvings such as the Tiki is amazingly similar in both cultures.
Large totem poles with figures stacked on top of one another with their tongues sticking out are common in both Maori and Haida cultures.
Haida and Marquesan carvings have similar shaped eyes and mouths.
Carvings around building entrances where the legs form an archway.
The practice of inlaying of Paua shell into the eyes of figures is a style used in both cultures.
Maori war canoes are similar in design to Kwakuitl canoes.
The use of calabashes instead of pottery for carrying water is common to both cultures.
The style plaiting of calabash holders is also similar.
The use of hot rocks to steam and widen canoes, is practiced by both Maori and Kwakuitl.
Earth ovens are used by both cultures
The unique practice of rubbing noses as a way of greeting is used in both Maori and some tribes in the Canadian NW. This suggests definite cultural and spiritual connection.
The use of the glottal stop in speech is similar e.g.; Hawai'i and Haida Gwai'i.
The practice of head deformation of infants is practised on the NW Coast, as it is in some parts of Polynesia.
Polynesians and NW Coastal Indians have similar blood: No B, high A, high M, high R2, moderate Fya.
NW coast Tiki Early maori version
So, as with other cultures there are likenesses that suggest a link to the North-west Pacific. In the end, it may be that all the links are true, all sporadic and at different times, producing a hybrid culture within the group of different tribes that are collectively called Maori.
