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- Lost Maritime Cultures: China and the Pacific
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- Heidi Chang
For years, many have searched for the origins of people living on islands throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Their roots can be traced to China, according to some linguists and human biologists (who study both genetics and bones).
Now for the first time, some archaeologists in Hawaii are documenting evidence linking China’s ancient seafaring cultures with the Pacific. This also marks the first time an international team of archaeologists from China, Taiwan and the United States are collaborating in their research about these ancient seafaring civilizations that once flourished in southeast China 3000 to 7000 years ago.
The research is groundbreaking because it establishes how seafaring technology developed in prehistoric China and it's important in understanding the origins of Pacific heritage.
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Piece Description
For years, many have searched for the origins of people living on islands throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Their roots can be traced to China, according to some linguists and human biologists (who study both genetics and bones).
Now for the first time, some archaeologists in Hawaii are documenting evidence linking China’s ancient seafaring cultures with the Pacific. This also marks the first time an international team of archaeologists from China, Taiwan and the United States are collaborating in their research about these ancient seafaring civilizations that once flourished in southeast China 3000 to 7000 years ago.
The research is groundbreaking because it establishes how seafaring technology developed in prehistoric China and it's important in understanding the origins of Pacific heritage.
Broadcast History
Originally broadcast internationally on Voice of America in 2008. Updated for PRX.
Transcript
Archaeologists Find Evidence of Origin of Pacific Islanders
http://www.voanews.com/english/AmericanLife/2008-03-31-voa31.cfm
Read the full transcript
Intro and Outro
INTRO: For years, many have searched for the origins of people living on islands throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Their roots can be traced to China, according to some linguists and human biologists.
Now for the first time some archaeologists in Hawaii are documenting evidence linking China’s ancient seafaring cultures with the Pacific.
Heidi Chang reports from Honolulu.
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