The Lost Art of Finding Our Way
The late Korent Joel pictured on a navigation teaching trip in the mid-2000s in the Marshall Islands. Mr Joel was one of only a handful of Marshall Islanders who still knew traditional wave and star navigation. Photo: Alson Kelen
A Harvard science professor wants to further document traditional Marshallese navigation methods to help boost the islands’ indigenous culture. Marshall Islands wave piloting is one of the navigation techniques featured in Professor John Huth’s book ‘The Lost Art of Finding Our Way’.
Professor Huth told Radio New Zealand in March, 2017, that his research found its use of ocean swells to navigate was extremely accurate. He says he hopes further research will help revive Marshallese culture.
“I almost have in my mind that we want to publish a wave piloting manual or something like that, that we could give back to the Marshallese to allow them to reclaim their heritage. Because I think it’s a very rich heritage,” Professor Huth said.
Check out the book at Amazon by clicking here.
