Literary Views And Reviews (Press, 15 November 1952)

The review discusses Thor Heyerdahl's significant works, particularly "The Kon-Tiki Expedition" and its follow-up, "American Indians in the Pacific." "The Kon-Tiki Expedition," which has sold over 414,000 copies by 1952, details an adventurous journey undertaken by Heyerdahl to test the theory of potential connections between early Polynesia and pre-Columbian Peru. He demonstrated that it was feasible to reach Polynesia by using a balsa raft launched from Peru, stirring considerable interest in the migratory origins of the Polynesians. This initial success led to the creation of "American Indians in the Pacific," which elaborates on migration theories surrounding the peopling of the eastern Pacific islands. Heyerdahl contends that Polynesians have a diverse ancestry, asserting that the Maori-Polynesian strain has origins linked to North-West Indians from British Columbia, tracing back to eastern Asia. He suggests that Polynesians encountered two earlier groups upon their arrival in the Pacific: one indigenous group, likely Melanesian, and another Caucasoid group from Peru. To support his claims, Heyerdahl employs evidence from various disciplines, including physical and cultural anthropology, ethno-botany, and archaeology. He critically examines existing theories that posited an Indonesian origin for Polynesians, ultimately suggesting they are a product of complex migrations that include influences from the North-West Pacific, rather than a straightforward west-to-east journey from Asia. The reviewer highlights that Heyerdahl’s exploration is driven not just by a desire to challenge established viewpoints, but also by a vested interest in validating a hypothesis he has long held. The book is positioned as a monumental contribution to the ongoing debate about Polynesian origins, drawing from a wide range of sources and perspectives. In summary, the reviewed works by Thor Heyerdahl underscore a significant discourse in anthropological studies about the settlements of the Pacific Islands, reflecting both adventure and scholarly inquiry that resonates with a broad audience beyond traditional academic circles. The mounting public interest in these theories has enabled Heyerdahl's works to reach acclaim and provoke thoughtful consideration of our understanding of human migration and cultural exchanges across the oceans.

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