In this tradition, which I have recounted at the beginning and end of our present book, Tāne ascended to the heavens to retrieve the three baskets of knowledge. Tāne was required to outsmart those standing in his way to get to them. These baskets are te kete tuauri (sacred knowledge/light), te kete tuatea (ancestral knowledge/darkness), and te kete aronui (knowledge in front of us/pursuit). These baskets are thought to never be full, and thus there is always room for further knowledge. The baskets should not be separated, and all three forms of knowledge are essential. Knowledge is not achieved without challenge and questioning, and, just as Tāne ascended to the heavens, we must challenge ourselves and the knowledge we hold, continually seeking to expand our understanding. We must also not discount any form of knowledge, since to seek merely one form is to not appreciate the nature of knowledge.

This short work has attempted to provide a brief overview of South Polynesia from 900 to 1600 CE while also trying to convey the world views of the South Polynesians during this period. Its writing was in response to the global turn in history as a discipline, and more specifically a wider global approach to medieval history. Non-European histories and perspectives have long been subjugated by dominant, external, and often limiting perspectives. I hope that this presentation of South Polynesia has helped a process of historical self-reflection.

In particular, I hope that the nature of non-written source materials and their value has been conveyed. Just like all source material, they have limitations, but these do not outweigh the benefits. In this regard, this book has offered a written account that incorporates oral traditions, historical analysis, and archaeology.