Origins

1. This famous British explorer noted similarities between Polynesians and thought their origins were in South-East Asia. (4 letters)
2. Some Christians thought Māori were descended from this biblical figure’s son, Shem. (4 letters)
5. Some people believed Māori originated from this African country due to similarities in appearance and beliefs. (5 letters)
6. Some believed Māori had connections with this ancient Middle Eastern people due to religious similarities. (6 letters)
10. Māori grew this South American crop, which was one of Heyerdahl’s pieces of evidence for his theory. (6 letters)
11. Some New Zealanders wrongly believed this group lived in Aotearoa before Māori. (7 letters)
12. The region where Captain Cook believed Māori originated. 2 words.

1. The Moriori settled on these islands after leaving the South Island of New Zealand. (7 letters)
3. Thor Heyerdahl believed Polynesians, including Māori, came from this South American country. (4 letters)
4. The language spoken by Māori. Two words
7. Early scientists believed Māori originated from this South Asian country due to language similarities. (5 letters)
8. The belief that Māori came from Peru was supported by this Norwegian explorer. (10 letters)
9. This type of traditional Māori art was thought to have links to Indian culture. (7 letters)