h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

For those interested in learning the arguments against Heyerdahl's claims, some information is contained in my entry The Mystery of the Sweet Potato. Basically, all linguistic and genetic evidence points to the islands around Southeast Asia (Philippines and Indonesia) as the origin of the Polynesian people. Polynesians never traveled by raft but used double-hulled canoes. Heyerdahl also had to be towed more than 100 km out from the South American shore before being allowed to drift to Polynesia. No anthropolgist today believes Heyerdahl's theory on the issue of Polynesian origins, although he is still well respected for his other acheivements.
-Master of the Dojo