RAAP—035
POLYNESIAN STICK CHARTS
Micronesian Pacific island explorers used stick charts as navigational tools to traverse vast ocean distances, relying on patterns of ocean swells and other natural phenomena. Unlike conventional maps that rely on fixed landmarks, these charts represented changing elements such as sea and weather conditions.
Stick charts were crafted using materials like palm ribs, coconut fiber, and shells or coral pebbles. Curved palm ribs depicted the direction and interaction of ocean swells, while shells or coral pebbles indicated the locations of islands. Connections between the sticks conveyed complex patterns of ocean dynamics.
The charts did not represent precise distances between islands, resulting in variations in their design. Rather than being carried on voyages, stick charts were often memorized and used as teaching tools to pass down navigational knowledge. They exemplify the ingenuity and deep understanding of the natural environment held by Micronesian navigators.
Stick charts were crafted using materials like palm ribs, coconut fiber, and shells or coral pebbles. Curved palm ribs depicted the direction and interaction of ocean swells, while shells or coral pebbles indicated the locations of islands. Connections between the sticks conveyed complex patterns of ocean dynamics.
The charts did not represent precise distances between islands, resulting in variations in their design. Rather than being carried on voyages, stick charts were often memorized and used as teaching tools to pass down navigational knowledge. They exemplify the ingenuity and deep understanding of the natural environment held by Micronesian navigators.