Hi Vandoo,
Since both Vanuatu (formerly New Hebrides) and eastern Micronesia are offshoots of the Lapita culture, it's possible that the idea of fighting without shields dates back to the Lapita. Since the Lapita came from Taiwan originally, that idea may go back quite a long ways.
Or it might be practicality. After all, what are you going to make a shield out of, on an atoll, and is it any better a defense than simply dodging?
Neat question though.
F
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