The teaching of canoe building and navigation had only been passed through
certain clans and family. Many with this knowledge has passed on without teaching others.
Thus knowledge of canoe building and navigation had begun to deminish over the years. But
there are efforts being made to pass the knowledge on to the next generation. In 2000
Tanapag Beach became a port of call for a yearly celebration; organized by Mau Pilaylug.
Because of him Hawaiians are able to learn how to navigate.
Hipour; a Satawal chief has
been quoted in two published books
1) Thomas Gladwin's "East is a Big Bird: Navigation & logic on
Puluwat Atoll" and
2) David Lewis's "We, The Navigators".
Learning to NavigateA mat is opened and shells placed on it
to represent the stars. First you learn the names of the stars, then you learn the position of
the stars direction when they rise and set. Next you learn the star for each island. Then there
are navigation chants learned to help you remember all what you have learned. Before planning
to sail out; the navigator will go to the east side of the island and observe the sky at dawn's
sunrise.
Resources:
www.tritonfilms.com, www.pacificworlds.com
A view from the top
|
A Satawal canoe
Navigating the canoe
|
Forum | Humor | Site Ring | Ulithi E-Mail | Cards | Shop |
