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Early settlers and seafarers in the Pacific IslandsHumans reached New Guinea and Australia over 40,000 years ago. They settled on the smaller islands later, from about 5,000 years ago. These early settlers of the Pacific Islands were skilled navigators and sailors, as well as food-gatherers, farmers and traders. Their societies had complex religious and political systems. They made regular journeys to other islands. Some travelled long distances to trade. ‘Saltwater’ peoples near the shore also traded with the ‘Bush’ people inland. Some exchange and trading systems were so extensive that they can be called empires. One included Tonga, Fiji and Samoa. The other included the Caroline Islands and the island of Yap. Gifts and exchange objectsPacific Islanders make some exchange objects for straightforward gifts. They make many, however, to use in different ways at different times. These objects are often valuable for more than one reason. Barkcloth and headrests have practical uses and religious associations. Shells are attractive and hardwearing. People show their wealth by wearing or displaying them at exchange ceremonies. This also shows how important the exchange is, and the person's part in it. Click on the pictures below to find out more about objects used in trade. In this section
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