"Because no Polynesians knew how to navigate in the ancient manner, Mau Piailug, a traditional navigator from the Caroline Islands of Micronesia, was chosen to guide the canoe. His method of navigating by the stars and swells was closely similar to extinct Polynesian methods.
Navigator Mau Piailug used the rising points of the stars, supplemented by observations of the sun, moon, and ocean swells, as a natural compass to guide the canoe. Even when days of solid cloud cover hid the stars, sun, and moon from sight, Mau was able to keep the canoe on course and keep in his mind an accurate picture of the canoe's progress toward Tahiti. And, obligingly, small, white fairy terns skimming over the sea, told Mau the atoll of Mataiva, just to the north-northwest of Tahiti, was near before it could actually be seen. Once this atoll had been reached, it was easy to orient the canoe for the short sail to Tahiti.
The fact that the canoe sailed from Hawai'i to Tahiti and back, and that Mau had been able to navigate to Tahiti without instruments, effectively demonstrated how Polynesian canoes and traditional navigational methods were up to the task of planned, long-distance voyaging. This voyage served to turn the tide against the Sharp hypothesis of accidental voyaging, and to develop a new appreciation for voyaging canoes and traditional ways of navigation."
You know, that's downright exciting. It also makes me realize again how we really do tend to look down on our ancestors as primitive beings. They understood so much and accomplished us. Silly us and our prejudices.
I love the Samuel Goldwyn quote. Needed it this a.m., too.
Interesting video! If you have not already done so, do visit the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie. You will see and hear natives from Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, etc. show and discuss their housing and culture. Very entertaining! All this is followed by a wonderful banquet and a Polyneisan show.
It is supremely arrogant of European descendants to think that we have opened up the world. Seems to me that it may have been better had the migration come west to east rather than the other way 'round.
Beautiful! How wonderful to see the youth re-establishing the old traditons, and just in time. Brought tears to my eyes to know that the chants and songs will live on into the future. (What's the numbered tag on the tree trunk? Do the groundskeepers keep track of the tree's health with that?) DrumMajor
I love stories and pictures about the ancient ways. The almost lost ways of sister cities. I am thinking Eddie was one tall Hawaiian. Towering over any Will I mett. Probably wasn't superstitious either (the number 13 or bad weather didn't stop the start of his voyage).
The new canoe sounds magical and mystical. As if it KNEW it's way without being guided. Like a trip or outing of a saint, St. eve. Saint Eve of brown and blue eyes is what the magical boat sings to me.
I love stories and pictures about the ancient ways. The almost lost ways of sister cities. I am thinking Eddie was one tall Hawaiian. Towering over any Will I mett. Probably wasn't superstitious either (the number 13 or bad weather didn't stop the start of his voyage).
The new canoe sounds magical and mystical. As if it KNEW it's way without being guided. Like a trip or outing of a saint, St. eve. Saint Eve of brown and blue eyes is what the magical boat sings to me.
Most people could navigate their worlds, make their own tools and gather and hunt for all their food. We had survival skills. Now, we have bullshit skills.
21 comments:
You know, that's downright exciting. It also makes me realize again how we really do tend to look down on our ancestors as primitive beings. They understood so much and accomplished us. Silly us and our prejudices.
I love the Samuel Goldwyn quote. Needed it this a.m., too.
Interesting video! If you have not already done so, do visit the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie. You will see and hear natives from Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, etc. show and discuss their housing and culture. Very entertaining! All this is followed by a wonderful banquet and a Polyneisan show.
wow. how cool...a reconnection with our shared past. wonder is that missing for many...
have a fabulous sunday!
Interesting video and amazing pics :)
hugs marinela x x
It is supremely arrogant of European descendants to think that we have opened up the world. Seems to me that it may have been better had the migration come west to east rather than the other way 'round.
Beautiful! How wonderful to see the youth re-establishing the old traditons, and just in time. Brought tears to my eyes to know that the chants and songs will live on into the future.
(What's the numbered tag on the tree trunk? Do the groundskeepers keep track of the tree's health with that?)
DrumMajor
As always informative and filled with wonderfully coordinated images/quotes .. aloha from rainy NYC xo
I love stories and pictures about the ancient ways. The almost lost ways of sister cities. I am thinking Eddie was one tall Hawaiian. Towering over any Will I mett. Probably wasn't superstitious either (the number 13 or bad weather didn't stop the start of his voyage).
The new canoe sounds magical and mystical. As if it KNEW it's way without being guided. Like a trip or outing of a saint, St. eve. Saint Eve of brown and blue eyes is what the magical boat sings to me.
Aloha my lovely friend
I love stories and pictures about the ancient ways. The almost lost ways of sister cities. I am thinking Eddie was one tall Hawaiian. Towering over any Will I mett. Probably wasn't superstitious either (the number 13 or bad weather didn't stop the start of his voyage).
The new canoe sounds magical and mystical. As if it KNEW it's way without being guided. Like a trip or outing of a saint, St. eve. Saint Eve of brown and blue eyes is what the magical boat sings to me.
Aloha my lovely friend
Fabulous video and so interesting! And great pics and quotes,too, as always. Have a happy Sunday, cher! Aloha!
What a wonderful way to break down barriers of time and learning. I'm certain it's something those kids will never forget.
Very cool. I love the video.
All kinds of goodies today. Thanks Cloudia.
"Long Distance Voyager", wasn't that a Moodies cd? I may be wrong.
I think you have been Hawaiian before. Before this life, I mean.
xo
FB
Aloha to you also !!The photos are so beautiful and attractive !! Video too is fantastic !!Thanks for sharing !!
Again a significant post..
Happy Sunday!
Aloha dear friend!
Most people could navigate their worlds, make their own tools and gather and hunt for all their food. We had survival skills. Now, we have bullshit skills.
I love all the quotes and your gorgeous pictures!
I have no words, but lots of tears.
Whew, glad that newspaper site video showed up today :)
And REALLY glad to see YOU!
I have SO enjoyed my visit to your blog this evening. Such a sunny place!
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