The Maori Kumara and its Peruvian Origins
Caroline Roullier et al., 2013 have discovered that the Maori Kumara, a beloved food crop for the Maori/Maohi/Maoli, originated from Peru South America. The sweet potato was collected by Maori voyagers around 1000 CE from Quechuans, who called the plant Cumar, Cumal, or Kumara.
Not long after, around 1100 CE, the Quechuans established the Inca capital at Cuzco. The Incas rose to conquer and control the West Coast of Americas, forming the great Inca Empire. They were known for their incredible architecture and engineering, as evidenced by their awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu.
The Arrival of Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus was the first European to arrive in the Americas around 1492. His arrival marked the beginning of a period of European colonization and exploitation of the Americas.
The Spread of the Kumara
The Kumara was spread throughout Polynesia by the Maori people. It became an important food source for many Polynesian cultures, and it remains a popular dish in New Zealand today.
The Legacy of the Kumara
The Kumara is a symbol of the resilience and ingenuity of the Maori people. It is also a reminder of the long history of contact between the peoples of the Pacific and South America.
Additional Notes
- The Quechuans were a highly advanced civilization that flourished in the Andes Mountains of South America. They were known for their agriculture, textiles, and pottery.
- The Inca Empire was the largest empire in the Americas before the arrival of the Europeans. It was a highly organized and centralized state with a complex system of government, religion, and economy.
- Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru. It is a testament to the architectural and engineering skills of the Inca people.