Polynesian navigation snow. In the mid-20th century, Thor Heyerdahl proposed a new theory of Polynesian origins (one which did not win general acceptance), arguing that the Polynesians had migrated from South America on balsa-log boats. The presence in the Cook Islands of sweet potato that is a plant native to the Americas (called "kūmara" in Māori), which have been radiocarbon-dated to 1000 CE, has been cited as evidence that Americans could have traveled to Oceania. The current thinking is that sweet potato was brought to central Polynesia circa 700 CE and spread across Polynesia from there, possibly by Polynesians who had traveled
Kon-Tiki Theatre Kon-Tiki Theatre The Kon-Tiki Theatre was a Polynesian-themed cinema operating in Trotwood, Ohio, United States, a suburb of Dayton, Ohio, between 1968 and 1999. The unique building was a landmark along Salem Avenue for decades before being demolished in 2005 to make room for a medical facility. The Kon Tiki was originally owned and operated by the Levin family. On May 13, 1987, the owners leased it to USA Cinemas who renamed it Salem Avenue Cinemas. USA Cinemas was later acquired by the Loews chain, which changed the name to Loews Salem Ave. It was built as a single auditorium.