eventually I've finished off the text with a short mention of previous studies which also align with this view:
Perhaps it should be noted that there have also been earlier studies giving evidence to transpacific contact in other ways. 7 years ago an attempt was made to do genetic analysis of Polynesian sweet potato, which showed variation consistent with introduction by 1100ᴀᴅ[2] (sweet potato in SE Asia, however, seems to be derived from a separate introduction from Mexico to Philippines by the Spanish, transmitting the Nahuatl word camotli, hispanicised as camote) and 13 years ago a study was published[3] which showed evidence of chicken remains in El Arenal, Chile, dating to 1321-1407ᴀᴅ and showing a Polynesian genetic signature. All those are chronologically consistent with each other.
Nonetheless, regardless of mistakes Thor Heyerdahl made, and his far-fetched assumptions, he has correctly intuited that there was such transpacific contact, and his Kon-Tiki expedition (along with subsequent expeditions, done by both him and other explorers, both in the South Pacific and in other regions) has successfully demonstrated that even with very primitive seafaring technology, an experienced navigator would be capable of sailing across oceans.
[2] Caroline Roullier, Laure Benoit, Doyle B. McKey, and Vincent Lebot. Historical collections reveal patterns of diffusion of sweet potato in Oceania obscured by modern plant movements and recombination. PNAS 110 (6), 2205–2210 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1211049110
[3] Alice A. Storey, José Miguel Ramírez, Daniel Quiroz et al. Radiocarbon and DNA evidence for a pre-Columbian introduction of Polynesian chickens to Chile. PNAS 104 (25), 10335–10339 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0703993104
it's now ready for publication ins kohlzine's
thanks for reading and for feedback