Cautionary optimism has resulted because researchers have recently been looking at archaeological evidence about Indigenous long-distance voyaging under the 50°S lat. The study, led by Dr. Thomas Leppard and his colleagues, scrutinized artifacts across several remote islands, including the Falkland Islands, South Shetland Islands, South Orkney Islands, South Sandwich Islands, and South Georgia Islands. Their results suggest there is little strong evidence showing Indigenous long-distance maritime activity took place in these areas. This void of exertion took place prior to European discovery.
The Journal of Coastal and Island Archaeology published the underwater investigation. In doing so, it brings attention to the challenges of human habitation in these extreme conditions. In their study, the researchers examined both archaeological and historical sources of evidence. Their hope was to determine whether Indigenous peoples had indeed crossed those treacherous southern waters prior to the European exploratory incursions.
Examination of Archaeological Evidence
The better known sub-Antarctic islands were a priority for the research team, and the islands south of the 50th parallel contained evidence of human habitation. What archaeologists found was stone tools and human remains. Yet these artifacts were firmly linked to practices occurring post-European contact. One of the first points the researchers made was that many artifacts were tied to Indigenous peoples. None of these artifacts indicate any long-distance voyaging prior to European contact.
The extreme environmental conditions that are typical to the harsh desert region presented formidable challenges. The islands south of 50°S are subjected to constant winds, towering Antarctic ice sheets, extreme wave heights, huge icebergs and harsh temperatures. These unforgiving environments made even Indigenous migration difficult and unappealing.
The Māori and Settlement Patterns
The study further points to an exceptional case of Colonial Indigenous settlement in these areas. Enderby Island, north of the Auckland Islands, was inhabited by the Māori from around 1300–1400 AD. This settlement happened before having to flee as climate worsens. Researchers think the Māori flourished on Enderby Island because of its temperate climate. This climate was far more hospitable than the extreme climate to the south.
As the researchers acknowledge, residing farther south would have been impossible for Indigenous peoples. These extreme weather conditions pose deadly, often insurmountable challenges to communities. The lack of administrative and financial resources though further complicates their ability to succeed in those hostile conditions. Ultimately, their findings have proven links between Indigenous groups and specific artifacts in these far-flung areas. Yet the opposite is true—the evidence simply doesn’t back up the claim that there were thriving maritime civilizations south of the 50°S latitude prior to European contact.
Limitations of Pre-European Maritime Technology
The other major takeaway from this study has to do with the limits of pre-European maritime technology in southern South America. Dr. Leppard pointed out that Indigenous peoples were incredibly adept at mastering interior water navigation on a variety of different vessels. Their technologies were not meant for long-distance trips across the open ocean.
The researchers underscored the lack of regular access to wood for ship repair, particularly outside the Auckland Islands. This paucity of resources must have limited any possible maritime endeavors down south even more. As they began piecing together the evidence from across the islands, they soon made an incredible realization. The promise of long-distance navigation was met with substantial obstacles from nature and limitations in technology.