Here's a breakdown of the ancestral journey:
* Early Migrations (3,000 - 2,000 BCE): Austronesian-speaking people from Taiwan began migrating to Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands, eventually reaching Island Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Philippines, etc.).
* Lapita Culture (1,600 - 500 BCE): A distinct cultural group, characterized by advanced pottery and seafaring skills, emerged in Island Southeast Asia. Lapita people expanded eastward across Melanesia, reaching Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa.
* Polynesian Expansion (1,000 BCE - 1,000 CE): Polynesians, descended from the Lapita people, continued their voyages across the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, settling islands like Hawaii, Easter Island, and New Zealand.
* Maori Arrival in New Zealand (1280 - 1300 CE): The Maori people, a Polynesian sub-group, arrived in New Zealand and established a distinctive culture, language, and traditions.
Genetic Evidence:
Recent genetic studies have confirmed this ancestral journey. DNA analysis shows that:
* Polynesians and Māori share a common ancestry with people from Taiwan, Indonesia, and other parts of Southeast Asia.
* There is a clear genetic link between the Lapita culture and modern Polynesian populations.
It's important to note:
* The ancestral journey of Polynesians and Māori is complex and spans thousands of years.
* The specific routes and dates of their migrations are still being studied and debated by archaeologists and geneticists.
In conclusion, the ancestors of Polynesians and Māori originated from Southeast Asia, migrating across the Pacific Ocean in a series of voyages that spanned millennia. Their cultural and genetic heritage reflects this unique and remarkable history.