Oceanic Navigation Charts, Malagan Masks & Fijian Ceremonial Textiles

What is the primary material used to create navigation charts in the Marshall Islands?

Sticklike midribs of coconut palm fronds.

What is the function of navigation charts in the Marshall Islands?

To organize information about piloting and navigating islands, currents, and swells.

What does the term 'rebbelib' refer to?

A stick chart with shells denoting islands in large sections of water.

Why are navigation charts not constructed to scale?

They primarily record features of the sea rather than precise distances.

How did Marshall Islanders learn to navigate?

Through the detection and interpretation of ocean swells.

What cultural significance do Malagan masks hold?

They honor and dismiss the dead and affirm the identity of clan groups.

What is the primary material used to create Malagan masks?

Wood, pigment, fiber, and shell.

What does the asymmetrical hair design on Malagan masks signify?

It shows how a New Ireland man would shave his head to indicate mourning.

What is the purpose of Malagan ceremonies?

To honor the deceased and assist their souls in reaching the spirit world.

What happens to Malagan sculptures after the ceremonies?

They are destroyed, often burned, to forcefully dismiss the dead.

What is the significance of the presentation of Fijian mats and tapa cloths to Queen Elizabeth II?

It commemorates her visit and displays the power and influence of the British Empire.

What is 'masi' in the context of Fijian culture?

Barkcloth made from the inner bark of mulberry trees.

What do the geometric patterns on Fijian mats symbolize?

They indicate the importance of the cloth and its function in ceremonies.

What role did women play in the creation of Fijian mats?

They are responsible for the stripping, boiling, and weaving of the mats.

What was the purpose of the 1953 Commonwealth tour by Queen Elizabeth II?

To encourage colonies and ex-colonies to maintain ties with the British Empire.

What does the simplicity of Fijian mats and tapa cloth indicate?

The simplicity signifies the importance of their function.

What is the significance of kava in Fijian culture?

It is a ceremonial drink made from the kava root, sipped in order of community importance.

What is the relationship between Malagan masks and individual identity?

Each mask represents the life force of a specific individual and their relationship with ancestors and clans.

How were navigation charts used by experienced navigators?

As memory aides during training before voyages.

What does the ownership of a Malagan object imply?

It is similar to modern copyright, where the seller surrenders rights to the style and form.

What is the cultural significance of the Malagan ceremony?

It is a costly affair that can take place months after a person's death, reflecting the importance of honoring the deceased.

What do the shells on a navigation chart represent?

The position of islands within the charted area.

What is the primary function of the Malagan masks during performances?

To help dismiss the dead and assist their souls in reaching the spirit world.

What is the significance of the diagonal and curved sticks on a navigation chart?

They represent wave swells in the ocean.

What does the term 'ges' refer to in the context of Malagan sculptures?

The spirit double of an individual.

What does the term 'utilitarian' imply in the context of Fijian mats?

The mats serve practical purposes in ceremonies and gifts.