Connected by the Sea: Towards a Regional History of the Western Caroline Islands

D'Arcy, Paul (September 2001). "Connected by the Sea: Towards a Regional History of the Western Caroline Islands". The Journal of Pacific History. 36 (2): 163–182. doi:10.1080/00223340120075551. ISSN 1469-9605 0022-3344, 1469-9605 .

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Abstract: explores the historical dynamics of the Western Caroline Islands, challenging traditional views that have tended to see these islands as isolated and self-contained. Historically, external interactions were often undervalued in their significance for the development of these islands post-initial colonization by humans. Recent scholarship calls into question this approach, criticizing it as “monograph myopia,” which narrowly focuses on gathering isolated facts without broader context or understanding.

The text argues for a more regional approach to history, one that acknowledges the ebb and flow of external influences and the importance of inter-island exchanges. For example, large-scale immigrations were noted to have an impact, although later arrivals, post-AD 1200, were seen as not significant enough to radically alter established technological and social patterns. Nevertheless, more recent discourse highlights the dynamic nature of these island communities, particularly with emphasis on interactions via systems like the sawei exchange relationship centered on Yap, which extended significantly across the ocean.

Furthermore, the article comments on a shift in academic perspective since the late 20th century, advocating for approaches that integrate the islands into wider regional or global contexts rather than treating them as isolated entities. This perspective includes evaluating the influence of various external groups over time, thus providing a more nuanced understanding of indigenous history and inter-island contacts.

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QID: Q124941296
MAG: 2114466774
OpenAlex: W2114466774
CorpusID: 162488409