Astronomy and navigation in Polynesia and Micronesia
by Kjell Akerblom (1968)
[http://www.ethnomath.org/resources/akerblom1968.pdf]
This paper discusses navigation in the Caroline Islands, Marshall Islands, and Gilbert Islands. Comparative "star" charts, astronomical observations, cosmogny or astronomical theory for each island grouping is investigated.
Subject: Applied Mathematics>Mathematical Physics>Astronomy,
Applied Mathematics>Mathematical Physics>Navigation,
Geometry and Topology>Plane Geometry>Lines and Planes
Geographical area: Caroline Islands, Marshall Islands, Oceania
Cultural group: Marshallese, Micronesian, Polynesian
|
Mapping the world in the mind: a case study of the unwritten knowledge of the Micronesian navigators
by David Turnbull
[http://www.ethnomath.org/resources/turnbull1991.pdf]
This study guide examines Micronesian navigation, in order to compare it with Western scientific knowledge.
Subject: Applied Mathematics>Mathematical Physics>Astronomy,
Applied Mathematics>Mathematical Physics>Navigation,
Geometry and Topology>Plane Geometry>Lines and Planes,
Numbers and Computation>Measurement>Linear Measure>Distance
Cultural group: Micronesian
|
Marshall Islands stick chart
by E. H. Bryan, Jr. (1938)
[http://www.ethnomath.org/resources/bryan1938.pdf]
This report reviews the basic characteristics of the linear structures and purposes of
three types of stick charts that helped Marshall Islanders navigate the courses between their ports. Three corresponding photographs of charts held by the Bishop Museum in Hawaii‘i help visualize what the strips of wood in the stick charts might have meant (e.g., a curved stick representing a current or a lee riffle). With two nearly parallel chains of atolls making up the Marshall Islands, the successful use of these stick charts largely depended on the uniform trade wind and current.
Subject: Applied Mathematics>Mathematical Physics>Navigation,
Geometry and Topology>Plane Geometry>Transformations>Scaling (Transformations),
Geometry and Topology>Plane Geometry>Lines and Planes
Geographical area: Marshall Islands
Cultural group: Marshallese
|
Notes on a model canoe from Mangaia, Cook group
by Augustus Hamilton (1911)
[http://www.ethnomath.org/resources/hamilton1911.pdf]
Hamilton refers to the use of a piece of wood called the va’i karakia (the place of divination) placed between a crescent shaped piece of wood (possibly representing the planet Mercury) alongside the canoe’s figure-head and a nearby star-shaped piece with a hole in its center through which a small stylet of wood (te ui) and an attached cord was passed. A navigator used this arrangement to steer by keeping the canoe in line with the te ui and an object in the distance. Seven holes were also drilled in a projecting ledge halfway along the outrigger side of the canoe for the purpose of receiving the te ui and which were named in accordance with seven different directions. The maintenance of a canoe course was associated with the linear associations that occurred between these holes and the te ui. Hamilton also includes several illustrations of various geometric forms used in canoe carvings and painted decorations.
Subject: Applied Mathematics>Engineering Mathematics>Design and Construction of Canoes and Sailing Vessels,
Applied Mathematics>Mathematical Physics>Astronomy,
Applied Mathematics>Mathematical Physics>Navigation,
Geometry and Topology>Plane Geometry>Lines and Planes
Geographical area: Oceania
Cultural group: Polynesian
|
On sea charts formerly used in the Marshall Islands, with notices on the navigation of these islanders in general
by Captain Winkler (1901)
[http://www.ethnomath.org/resources/winkler1901.pdf]
This report attempts to understand and explain Marshallese sea charts made of sticks (stick charts) through both conjecture and indigenous comment. Many drawings and diagrams of the charts are provided, discussing their numerous linear relationships. Also included are several illustrations meant to depict distinctive swells generated by atolls in relation to incoming waves and their detection and use by navigators looking for land. Several photographs of stick charts held by American and European museums also help visualize the explanations.
Subject: Applied Mathematics>Mathematical Physics>Navigation,
Geometry and Topology>Plane Geometry>Lines and Planes
Geographical area: Marshall Islands
Cultural group: Marshallese
|
