Navigation chart (rebbelib)

Navigation or ‘stick’ charts were important aids to navigation in the Marshall Islands. These islands consist of thirty-four coral atolls. They are spread out across an area of several hundred miles in part of the South Pacific Ocean known as Micronesia. In order to maintain links between the islands, the Marshall Islanders built seafaring canoes. These vessels were both quick and manoeuvrable. The Islanders developed a reputation for expert navigation between the islands. This was not a simple matter, since they are all so low that none can be seen from more than a few miles away.

The charts marked not only the locations of the islands but also knowledge of the swell and wave patterns. They were composed of wooden sticks: the horizontal and vertical sticks act as supports, while diagonal and curved ones represent wave swells. Cowrie or other small shells represent the position of the islands. Generally the charts were not taken on voyages but used as an aide-memoire for an experienced navigator. They were not constructed to scale.

Three types of charts were made. This chart is of a type known as a rebbelib, which cover either a large section or all of the Marshall Islands. Other types of chart more commonly show a smaller area. This example represents the two chains of islands which form the Marshall Islands.

This chart was collected by Admiral E.H.M. Davis during the cruise of HMS Royalist from 1890 to 1893. Navigation charts continue to be made, often simpler in form, to be sold as souvenirs.