From west to east: Environmental influences on the rate and pathways of Polynesian colonization

The prime movers behind the prehistoric colonization of Remote Oceania, and in particular the large c. 2000-year temporal gap (i.e. long pause') seen between West and East Polynesia, has long been major point of interest in the Pacific. To address these events and the processes that may have led to the known chronological disparity of these diasporas, we present results from two different, but equally powerful, analytical tools which are used to examine Polynesian seafaring capabilities and trajectories. The first is a statistical model known as Seascape, which simulates voyages, while the second uses ease of eastward travel estimates based on land distribution and wind pattern analysis. These analyses were done with the goal of determining the potential role of environmental factors in the colonization process, particularly as they relate to the long pause. We show that the eastern boundary of West Polynesia, the limit of the initial colonization pulse, is marked by a discontinuity in land distribution, where the distances travelers would have to cross in order to reach islands further to the east become significantly larger. At the same time, in West Polynesia, the frequency and intensity of winds favorable to eastward displacement decrease continuously from west to east. As far as winds are concerned, eastward travel in West Polynesia is favored in the northern and southern areas and much more difficult across the central portion. Favorable winds have a clear seasonality, and eastward displacement along the northern area is much easier under El Nino conditions. Voyaging simulations show that intentional eastward voyages departing from Tonga and Samoa, when undertaken with vessels capable of sailing efficiently against the wind, afford a viable route toward several island groups in East Polynesia, with trips starting in Samoa having a higher probability of success.

O mar e as viagens: épico e romance antigo em Galáxias, de Haroldo de Campos

The aim of this paper is to discuss the presence of epic and ancient romance as construction’s mechanism of the poem Galáxias by Haroldo de Campos, whose work was, all of the time, dedicated to both: innovation in poetry forms and rescue of tradition. It is quite important to investigate how epic and ancient narrative elements contribute to the meaning construction of poem Galaxias, written by Campos during thirteen years. This investigation appears to be very challenging because seems to be an opportunity to think about post-modern and post-antique, at the same time, making both instances dialogue. Galáxias seems to be exemplary to show this dialogue between present and past: it is a sea voyage book and a book as sea voyage, not only because the epic and ancient narrative have strong presence in the poem, but also because the poem central theme is the sea voyages – and the book.