Fijian Polygenesis and the Melanesian/Polynesian Divide

Cultural, linguistic, and phenotypic differences between Fijian and West Polynesian peoples demarcate the historically defined Melanesian/Polynesian divide. As both regions are claimed to have a common Lapita ancestry, the question of how Fijians became Fijian and not Polynesian is addressed. A 3,000-year-long process of polygenesis is argued, beginning initially with a founder event and interaction sphere discrete from West Polynesia. Polygenesis subsequently amplifies through engagement with and outright immigration by groups from both the west and east.