Oral history, anchor stones, parts or fragments of vessels (carvings from the prow, steering oars, and so on). In Polynesian culture, an ocean-going vessel was

Oral history, anchor stones, parts or fragments of vessels (carvings from the prow, steering oars, and so on). In Polynesian culture, an ocean-going vessel was a thing of great mana, having its own name and celebrated in many stories. Relics were revered and carefully preserved. I don't think Polynesians are unique in this regard.