It was populated by cannibalistic tribes of Polynesian origin who had apparently migrated there cen-turies before.

This initial report suggested a Polynesian, pre-Columbian origin.

Other scholars of Pacific prehistory said, however, that the new research left unresolved many of the fundamental questions of Polynesian origins.

Although this initial report suggested a Polynesian pre-Columbian origin a later report looking at the same specimens concluded:

Some islands of Polynesian origin are outside the general triangle that geographically defines the region.

Hawaii was first populated no later than the 2nd century CE by people of Polynesian origin, most likely from Tahiti.

Maori objects then began to increase in value, as did tribal works of Polynesian, Oceanic and African origin.

Recent developments in the field of DNA analysis have unequivocally settled the debate of Polynesian origin.

Heyerdahl's theory of Polynesian origins never gained acceptance among anthropologists.

The islands are inhabited by approximately 400 people of Polynesian origin.