Events on April 28 in history

Thor Heyerdahl and five crew mates set out from Peru on the Kon-Tiki to prove that Peruvian natives could have settled Polynesia.

Thor Heyerdahl, a name synonymous with daring expeditions and bold hypotheses, was a remarkable Norwegian adventurer and ethnographer. Born on October 6, 1914, his academic pursuits spanned diverse fields including zoology, botany, and geography, providing him with a unique interdisciplinary perspective. This broad foundation would later fuel his unconventional theories about ancient human migration and cultural diffusion, challenging prevailing scientific paradigms.

The Kon-Tiki Expedition: A Voyage of Discovery

Heyerdahl’s most celebrated achievement was undoubtedly the 1947 Kon-Tiki expedition. This extraordinary journey saw him and his small crew sail an astonishing 8,000 kilometers (approximately 5,000 miles) across the vast Pacific Ocean. Their vessel was no modern yacht, but a meticulously hand-built balsa wood raft, constructed using only materials and techniques believed to have been available to ancient South American peoples. The voyage commenced from the shores of South America and concluded dramatically upon a reef in the Tuamotu Islands of Polynesia. The primary objective of this audacious undertaking was to empirically demonstrate that ancient civilizations possessed the capacity for extensive oceanic travel, thereby facilitating contact and cultural exchange between widely separated societies, aligning with Heyerdahl’s diffusionist model of cultural development.

Other Ventures and Enduring Legacy

The Kon-Tiki expedition was not an isolated feat; it was part of Heyerdahl’s broader lifelong quest to prove the feasibility of ancient transoceanic contacts. Another significant endeavor was the Ra II expedition in 1970. On this occasion, he embarked on a voyage from the west coast of Africa to Barbados, navigating the Atlantic in a papyrus reed boat, echoing ancient Egyptian or Mesopotamian shipbuilding techniques. These expeditions, while controversial in their scientific conclusions, captivated the world and sparked immense interest in human history and maritime capabilities.

Thor Heyerdahl's contributions and adventurous spirit did not go unnoticed. He was appointed a government scholar by Norway in 1984, a testament to his national and international standing. His life concluded on April 18, 2002, in Colla Micheri, Liguria, Italy, while he was visiting his close family. In a rare honor, the Norwegian government accorded him a state funeral, held at Oslo Cathedral on April 26, 2002, recognizing his immense impact as a national hero and global icon.

His legacy was further cemented in May 2011 when the extensive Thor Heyerdahl Archives were inscribed onto UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. At that time, this prestigious list comprised 238 invaluable collections from around the globe. Spanning the years from 1937 to 2002, the archives offer an unparalleled insight into his life and work, encompassing a rich photographic collection, personal diaries, private correspondence, detailed expedition plans, numerous articles, newspaper clippings, original book manuscripts, and drafts of his many writings. These invaluable historical documents are meticulously administered and preserved by the Kon-Tiki Museum and the National Library of Norway, both located in Oslo.

The Kon-Tiki Raft: More Than Just a Vessel

The Kon-Tiki, the very name now evoking images of intrepid exploration, refers not only to the iconic raft but also to the Inca god Viracocha, for whom "Kon-Tiki" was reputedly an ancient appellation. Beyond the physical journey, the name resonates through popular culture, being the title of Heyerdahl's bestselling book, the Academy Award-winning 1950 documentary film that chronicled the expedition, and the 2012 dramatized feature film, itself nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. These cultural touchstones have ensured the expedition’s story remains etched in public memory.

Heyerdahl’s central hypothesis, which the Kon-Tiki expedition sought to validate, proposed that people from South America could have successfully navigated to Polynesia in pre-Columbian times. His intent was to demonstrate that, by relying solely on the materials and technological understanding available to ancient peoples, there existed no insurmountable technical barriers preventing such epic voyages. While the expedition did carry some modern navigational aids and equipment—including a radio for communication, reliable watches, navigational charts, a sextant for celestial navigation, and even metal knives—Heyerdahl staunchly maintained that these were merely incidental. His argument was that their presence did not undermine the core proof that the basic raft design itself was seaworthy and capable of completing the arduous journey.

However, it is crucial to note that Heyerdahl's specific hypothesis regarding a South American origin for Polynesian peoples, along with his "drift voyaging" theory (which suggested passive, eastward currents could have carried rafts), is largely not accepted by the scientific community today. Extensive archaeological, linguistic, cultural, and genetic evidence overwhelmingly points towards a western origin for Polynesians. This prevailing scientific consensus posits that Polynesian ancestors originated from Island Southeast Asia, skillfully utilizing highly advanced multihull sailing technologies and sophisticated navigation techniques during what is known as the Austronesian expansion. Nevertheless, it is an interesting counterpoint that some genetic evidence does indicate a degree of gene flow from South America to Easter Island, suggesting at least some limited ancient contact, though not necessarily validating the broad Kon-Tiki hypothesis.

Funding, Construction, and the Epic Voyage

The monumental Kon-Tiki expedition was brought to fruition through a combination of private loans and generous donations of essential equipment from the United States Army. With funding secured, Heyerdahl and his small, dedicated team journeyed to Peru. There, with invaluable assistance from dockyard facilities kindly provided by the Peruvian authorities, they meticulously constructed the Kon-Tiki raft. This incredible vessel was fashioned from nine large balsa logs, lashed together with natural fibers, and other indigenous materials, faithfully replicating an ancient indigenous style as vividly depicted in historical illustrations left by Spanish conquistadores. The historic voyage officially commenced on April 28, 1947. For 101 days, Heyerdahl and his five intrepid companions valiantly sailed the raft across approximately 6,900 kilometers (or 4,300 miles) of the Pacific Ocean. Their journey concluded with a dramatic, yet ultimately safe, impact with a reef at Raroia in the Tuamotu archipelago on August 7, 1947. Remarkably, despite the challenging conditions and the dramatic landing, the entire crew successfully made landfall and returned home safely, cementing their place in maritime history.

Kon-Tiki in Print and Film

Thor Heyerdahl's compelling account of his experience, published in Norwegian in 1948 as The Kon-Tiki Expedition: By Raft Across the South Seas (later reissued as Kon-Tiki: Across the Pacific in a Raft), rapidly became a global bestseller. Its immense success was replicated when it was translated into English in 1950, and subsequently into numerous other languages, captivating readers worldwide with its tale of adventure and scientific daring. Furthermore, a documentary motion picture about the expedition, also titled Kon-Tiki, was expertly produced from the crew's extensive filmstrip notes and written accounts. This film achieved significant critical acclaim, earning an Academy Award in 1951. It was notably directed by Heyerdahl himself, with skillful editing by Olle Nordemar. The voyage's incredible narrative was also explored in depth through the documentary TV-series The Kon-Tiki Man: The Life and Adventures of Thor Heyerdahl, directed by Bengt Jonson, ensuring its enduring legacy in visual media.

The Kon-Tiki Today

Today, the original Kon-Tiki raft, a symbol of human ingenuity and resilience, is proudly preserved and exhibited at the Kon-Tiki Museum located in Bygdøy, Oslo, where it continues to inspire visitors from around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thor Heyerdahl and the Kon-Tiki Expedition

Who was Thor Heyerdahl?

Thor Heyerdahl was a Norwegian adventurer, ethnographer, and scholar known for his groundbreaking expeditions that sought to demonstrate the possibility of ancient transoceanic contact between different civilizations. He had a background in zoology, botany, and geography.

What was the Kon-Tiki expedition?

The Kon-Tiki expedition was a 1947 voyage led by Thor Heyerdahl, during which he and five companions sailed an 8,000 km (5,000 mi) journey across the Pacific Ocean on a hand-built balsa wood raft from South America to the Tuamotu Islands. Its purpose was to prove that ancient peoples could have made long sea voyages.

What was the raft named after?

The raft was named Kon-Tiki after the Inca god Viracocha, for whom "Kon-Tiki" was said to be an ancient name. The name has since become synonymous with the expedition, the book, and the films.

What was Heyerdahl's main hypothesis?

Heyerdahl hypothesized that ancient people from South America could have reached Polynesia in pre-Columbian times, establishing contact and influencing cultural development. The Kon-Tiki expedition aimed to prove the technical feasibility of such voyages using ancient materials and technology.

Is Heyerdahl's Kon-Tiki hypothesis scientifically accepted today?

Generally, no. While captivating, Heyerdahl's hypothesis of a South American origin for Polynesian peoples is largely rejected by mainstream science. Archaeological, linguistic, cultural, and genetic evidence predominantly supports a western origin from Island Southeast Asia, involving sophisticated sailing techniques. However, some genetic evidence does suggest limited ancient contact between South America and Easter Island.

What other famous expeditions did Heyerdahl undertake?

Besides Kon-Tiki, another notable expedition was Ra II in 1970, where Heyerdahl sailed a papyrus reed boat from the west coast of Africa to Barbados to demonstrate the possibility of ancient transatlantic voyages.

Did the Kon-Tiki expedition achieve its goal?

From Heyerdahl's perspective, yes, it demonstrated the technical feasibility of ancient transoceanic travel with rudimentary craft. The crew successfully completed the journey, proving a balsa raft could endure the Pacific crossing. All six crew members made it safely to shore after hitting a reef.

Where can I see the original Kon-Tiki raft?

The original Kon-Tiki raft is currently on display at the Kon-Tiki Museum in Bygdøy, Oslo, Norway.

What legacy did Thor Heyerdahl leave behind?

Beyond his expeditions, Heyerdahl's legacy includes bestselling books, Academy Award-winning films, and extensive archives preserving his life's work. His archives are part of UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. He inspired generations to ponder ancient mysteries and the capabilities of early civilizations.