This paper focusses on Marshall Island navigators' (natives) use of stick charts to examine their experiential and representational knowledge with modern scientific and mathematical ideas and knowledge. These charts were made of palm ribs, coconut fibre, and shells attached and organized to display sophisticated geometrical models of ocean wave propagation. The abstract models represented shapes and motion of waves and land/sea features, which were used for navigating vast area and for training future navigators.
The stick charts were similar to diagrams on a modern-day blackboard. Information that was considered essential where represented by geometrical figures and objects. It is interesting to note how valuable this knowledge was when individuals learn to understand these representations. Marshall Island navigation techniques were kept secret and their future navigators, from noble lineage, were selected and trained by master navigators.
As knowledge seekers, today's students are selected, coached, and trained by educational institutions. How is today's tradition of gaining specialized knowledge in an educational institution (formal) different from other tradition?
The stick charts were similar to diagrams on a modern-day blackboard. Information that was considered essential where represented by geometrical figures and objects. It is interesting to note how valuable this knowledge was when individuals learn to understand these representations. Marshall Island navigation techniques were kept secret and their future navigators, from noble lineage, were selected and trained by master navigators.
As knowledge seekers, today's students are selected, coached, and trained by educational institutions. How is today's tradition of gaining specialized knowledge in an educational institution (formal) different from other tradition?
I am left in awe of the "Marshall Islands' navigators." It is quite incredible that through acute observation skills, and unique recording system they were able to understand, record, and pass on important navigational skills that were undoubtably invaluable for navigators the waters around their islands. I am sure that without knowing it the navigators were using attributes of Western mathematics in order to observe and document their findings. I relate this to my article, where I observed the incredible inclusion of mathematics in African arts. Many mathematical concepts, although not documented as we, the Western World, are used to, have been used in many cultures for thousands of years. I am left wondering if these navigation techniques are still passed down by noble lineage and used now?
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