Did Any Native American Civilisation Sailing to Europe or Africa During the Pre-Columbian Era?
During the pre-Columbian period, the idea that Native American civilizations ventured across the Atlantic to Europe or Africa has often been met with skepticism. However, recent historical and archaeological evidence suggests that such journeys may have been more plausible than previously thought. This article explores the evidence of Inuit kayaks reaching Scotland in the 17th century and the challenges faced by early explorers like the Native Americans in making such long journeys.
Historical Accounts and Evidence
One of the most intriguing pieces of evidence comes from the 17th century, when Inuit kayaks were reportedly sighted off the coast of Scotland. Most Scots initially believed these kayaks to be from Finland, but detailed descriptions clearly indicate that they were from the New World. The observations describe a small boat made of seal skins or leather, manned by a person wearing a leather coat who sits in the middle with a small oar, fishing with a line. Most notably, when a storm approaches, the individual would sink the boat to avoid being overturned by the waves.
The description paints a vivid picture of the ingenuity and adaptability of the Inuit sailors in navigating open waters. This event remains a fascinating and somewhat controversial topic, as it challenges the commonly held belief that the transatlantic journey was beyond the capabilities of pre-Columbian indigenous peoples.
Strategic Flight Routes During World War II
Parallel to the sea, long-distance journeys also pose significant challenges in the air. During World War II, the Allied Forces faced the same logistical problems when transporting bombers. For instance, bombers flew from the Caribbean to Brazil, then across to Dakar in West Africa, before heading to Gibraltar and finally to England. The more rigorous route, flying over the vast expanse of the South Atlantic, was necessary because the range of the planes at that time was limited. The alternative, flying over the more northern route, involved more frequent encounters with fog and bad weather.
The story of a bomber pilot who had to fly bombers to England provides an interesting parallel to pre-Columbian navigation. These pilots had to navigate blind, relying on their judgment and the limited information available to them. This is not dissimilar to the challenges faced by early sailors, who had to navigate using basic tools and knowledge.
Improvements in Navigation and Sailing Technology
It is important to recognize that the transition from coastal navigation to open-sea voyages was gradual. Ancient ships, including those used by the Vikings, followed coastlines for safety. Even the Portuguese explorers initially hugged the shores during their voyages to the Indian Ocean. However, as they ventured further, they relied on local pilots and knowledge of oceanic patterns, such as monsoons, which had been accumulated over centuries.
Only when they reached East Africa did they fully trust in open-sea navigation, especially in the Indian Ocean, where dhows had been navigating for centuries. Similarly, the Inuit in the 17th century had the necessary skills and technologies for navigating the waters around the North Atlantic, but lacked the geographical knowledge and infrastructure that would have been required for more extensive voyages.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the evidence of Native Americans crossing the Atlantic or even reaching Europe or Africa during the pre-Columbian period remains debated, the accounts of Inuit kayaks in Scotland and the strategic flight routes of World War II provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by early explorers. The physical and navigational limitations of the time suggest that such journeys were indeed feasible, but they would have required a combination of skills, knowledge, and significant advances in navigation and sailing technology.
These stories continue to intrigue historians and archaeologists, offering a glimpse into the capabilities and ingenuity of pre-Columbian civilizations. Further research and exploration may yet uncover more evidence that supports these fascinating theories.