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The Migration from Melanesia to Fiji in 1500 B.C. By: David Dent
Without the Migration of Melanesians to Fiji, there would be no domesticated pigs, dogs, or chickens on this island or any other islands the Melanesians migrated to. This, in turn, would make the land non-inhabitable and unattractive to societies that would later be interested in these islands. With this migration, this society’s culture was expanded and practiced in a new region, creating a culture-trend that would show itself in later years of this area. But, with this migration and colonization came a challenge; this culture on new land could develop and change from isolation once the sea levels rose again at the end of the ice age.
Honestly, there isn’t much to be found on the internet about Polynesia from the dawn of time to 600 C.E.. The only reason anybody had any clue about their migration is due to Lapita pottery. This pottery is very distinct and old but still existent today. These Lapita ceramics came from Melanesian peoples, who were skilled sailors and navigators. So, without the use of a compass, considering there was no such thing as a compass at this time, they were able to sail to Fiji around 1500 B.C. and bring along with them domesticated chickens, pigs, and dogs. This, in later years, would be very useful when it comes to hunting, and having a source for food.
The introduction of these domesticated animals also allowed for the permanent residence of this island along with an example for the type of diet the people who would inhabit this island, in later years, would consist of. Considering meat was the only source of food, there weren’t’ many vegetarians in this time in this area. With the lack of available food sources, this brought new challenges for the families living on this Island, but not in a positive way. Sure, you might completely fill your tummy, but you would be able to fulfill your need for food, this brought a new sense of reliance, and value for one another. Along with their dependence on meat and family, they also depend heavily on nature as their shelter and another vital source for their survival. This bond would later form the way the typical Melanesian on Fiji lived his life.
When Polynesians passed through Fiji they brought with them new ideas and culture. Polynesian nobilities had a strong interest in establishing their connection to the gods. With the already popular social outlook on nature, and how you live for nature instead of you controlling nature,they would be repulsed by the thought of this and be able to resist their influence really well. These years of introducing Melanesian ways of life to a place previously unknown, would obviously shape the way people live on this island for the future. They relied heavily on this meat for survival. This reliance inevitably brought people together, dependent on each other for survival.
Ultimately, without the migration of Melanesians to Fiji, there would be a whole new social structure there considering Polynesians would have been the next in line to inhabit Fiji. Even isolation from their core due to rising sea levels had no effect on Melanesians after all these years. So with the migration of Melanesians to Fiji and all of the domesticated animals they brought along with them, formed Melanesian social structures, artistic patterns, and trends still pertinent today.
Honestly, there isn’t much to be found on the internet about Polynesia from the dawn of time to 600 C.E.. The only reason anybody had any clue about their migration is due to Lapita pottery. This pottery is very distinct and old but still existent today. These Lapita ceramics came from Melanesian peoples, who were skilled sailors and navigators. So, without the use of a compass, considering there was no such thing as a compass at this time, they were able to sail to Fiji around 1500 B.C. and bring along with them domesticated chickens, pigs, and dogs. This, in later years, would be very useful when it comes to hunting, and having a source for food.
The introduction of these domesticated animals also allowed for the permanent residence of this island along with an example for the type of diet the people who would inhabit this island, in later years, would consist of. Considering meat was the only source of food, there weren’t’ many vegetarians in this time in this area. With the lack of available food sources, this brought new challenges for the families living on this Island, but not in a positive way. Sure, you might completely fill your tummy, but you would be able to fulfill your need for food, this brought a new sense of reliance, and value for one another. Along with their dependence on meat and family, they also depend heavily on nature as their shelter and another vital source for their survival. This bond would later form the way the typical Melanesian on Fiji lived his life.
When Polynesians passed through Fiji they brought with them new ideas and culture. Polynesian nobilities had a strong interest in establishing their connection to the gods. With the already popular social outlook on nature, and how you live for nature instead of you controlling nature,they would be repulsed by the thought of this and be able to resist their influence really well. These years of introducing Melanesian ways of life to a place previously unknown, would obviously shape the way people live on this island for the future. They relied heavily on this meat for survival. This reliance inevitably brought people together, dependent on each other for survival.
Ultimately, without the migration of Melanesians to Fiji, there would be a whole new social structure there considering Polynesians would have been the next in line to inhabit Fiji. Even isolation from their core due to rising sea levels had no effect on Melanesians after all these years. So with the migration of Melanesians to Fiji and all of the domesticated animals they brought along with them, formed Melanesian social structures, artistic patterns, and trends still pertinent today.