20권(2010) | [20권 4호]홍성룡, On the Language, Religion and Culture in Polynesian

Abstract : The oldest proof of the habitation of the Polynesians by carbon dating is estimated to be around 150
BC in Reukijeu, 4th century in Easter Island, and 9th century in Hawaii, and 14th century in New Zealand. They
were a maritime nation who navigated the Pacific Ocean extensively in double canoe using a nautical chart.
This study is to research how the religion has influenced on the development of the art and culture of Maori tribes.
First, through a comparative study of religion and art, the impact of religion on Maori art and culture will be
studied after many missionaries began to spread Christianity in new land after its discovery by Captain Cook
Second, the impact of the neighboring Polynesia as well as Europe and Asia on the art of early Maori settlers and
contemporary art in the process of change will be shown. Finally, the unique ethnic customs and culture of Maori,
divided into three cultures, housing, recreation, and food, will be explored in terms of its characteristics. Then the
relationship between language and culture will be depicted in terms of language in order to investigate the cause of
the flourishing of Maori tradition and culture.
Key words: Polynesian, Maori tribes, religion, food culture, art and language