Some petroglyphs are thought to be metaphors, symbols, maps, and territorial markers. There is no categorical petroglyph style common to Polynesia, as a whole. Relatively unique rock art styles within each island group evolved distinct from the few geometric Samoan types. Until recently, the only exceptions we found are large numbers, in Hawai'i and the Marquesas and a few in Mo'orea, Tahiti, of nearly identical ancient linear figure types. Such stylistic similarities support theories about early contacts between these islands.
Recent information prompts a closer look at Malaysia.
New photos show that linear figure types found in Peninsular Malaysia closely resemble Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Mo'orean types. Experimental radiocarbon dating suggests a minimum date for the appearance of the triangular body type around AD 1300. This broad shouldered, terrible, and handsome icon is a profound change from the ancient, severely simple and anonymous, linear body figure. It gradually replaced the linear figure as the dominant anthropomorphic type, and became the visual symbol for masculine, and possibly chiefly, power on the Island of Hawai'i. This implies a profound social change, possibly coinciding with the arrival of Chief Pa'ao from Kahiki, as described in oral histories and genealogies.