As we've progressed in our coursework, some of you have shared some interest in mathematics dealing with canoebuilding and navigation. The mathematics involved include the required amount of time, effort, materials, proportions, and measurements needed in the making of a canoe and its various parts. Some things to consider when making a canoe are the hull, sail, boom, stanchion, crosspiece, outrigger platform, longitudinal stinger, diagonal stinger, removable board, weather-side board, and thwart.
Guam's history of navigation dates back to the flying proa - sailing vessels - which required intuitive construction. The canoes were the ancient Chamorros' primary transporation between the Mariana islands for trading, war, recreation, and match-making. Sailing techniques were used by them to navigate to and from islands with speeds of up to twenty miles per hour. There are different canoes, such as the ladjak, which referred to canoes that could be fitted with sails, with the sakman as the largest, followed by lelek, duding and duduli. There is also the simplest of canoes called the galaide' - a dugout paddling canoe. Our ancient Chamorros even built canoe houses to protect the canoes. Unfortunately, by the 1900's the tradition of the ladjak was lost and only the galaide' remained, although that almost became extinct.
Today, a revival project has generated classes, projects, and groups who remain committed to bring back the proud seafaring traditions in Guam and the Marianas. As part of the revival project, a few of our dedicated Chamorros sailed to Polowat Atoll, Chuuk, where traditional seafaring knowledge is still alive. Polowatan navigators have also visited Guam to teach our younger generations how to build canoes.
We are grateful that our fellow Pacific islanders in Polowatt Atoll, Chuuk, have helped us to revive our ancient building and navigation of canoes. As such, it is only fitting that I share some navigational snapshots from both Guam and Chuuk. The Guam snapshots were retrieved by Guampedia. The Chuuk snapshots were contributed by Richardson "Rick" Chiwi, COM-FSM Instructor, who was a dedicated student of mine for ED638: Teaching with the Internet.
Guam Navigation Snapshots...
Guam's history of navigation dates back to the flying proa - sailing vessels - which required intuitive construction. The canoes were the ancient Chamorros' primary transporation between the Mariana islands for trading, war, recreation, and match-making. Sailing techniques were used by them to navigate to and from islands with speeds of up to twenty miles per hour. There are different canoes, such as the ladjak, which referred to canoes that could be fitted with sails, with the sakman as the largest, followed by lelek, duding and duduli. There is also the simplest of canoes called the galaide' - a dugout paddling canoe. Our ancient Chamorros even built canoe houses to protect the canoes. Unfortunately, by the 1900's the tradition of the ladjak was lost and only the galaide' remained, although that almost became extinct.
Today, a revival project has generated classes, projects, and groups who remain committed to bring back the proud seafaring traditions in Guam and the Marianas. As part of the revival project, a few of our dedicated Chamorros sailed to Polowat Atoll, Chuuk, where traditional seafaring knowledge is still alive. Polowatan navigators have also visited Guam to teach our younger generations how to build canoes.
We are grateful that our fellow Pacific islanders in Polowatt Atoll, Chuuk, have helped us to revive our ancient building and navigation of canoes. As such, it is only fitting that I share some navigational snapshots from both Guam and Chuuk. The Guam snapshots were retrieved by Guampedia. The Chuuk snapshots were contributed by Richardson "Rick" Chiwi, COM-FSM Instructor, who was a dedicated student of mine for ED638: Teaching with the Internet.
Guam Navigation Snapshots...
Chuuk Navigation Snapshots...
ED 638 is the vast ocean to tame and conquer; with patience, persistence, and perseverance one may overcome all odds and be rewarded with the many resources it offers. Wind, current, stars, and the waves are guidance to navigate with. Blogger, ClassCentral, HotChalk are guidance to ED 638. So much to thank about!Posted by Richardson Chiwi at 9:26 PM 1 comments
Labels: Obstacles and Rewards
WASC visiting member, Mr Yamaguchi of Hawaii visited our campus and was welcomed to set foot on our canoe.Posted by Richardson Chiwi at 8:32 PM 1 comments
Labels: Serek Sa'fa'a'l (Renavigate)
References:
Artero, A.D, ' Canoe Building', referenced February 27, 2010, © 2009 Guampedia™, URL: http://guampedia.com/canoe-building-2/
Chiwi, R. (2009). ED638 - Summer 2009 Blog. Retrieved February 28, 2010 from http://ed638summer2009.blogspot.com/
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