Charms and Rituals

Fishing societies often turn to charms, amulets, or totems as protective devices. In some cases, these objects are worn by an individual; in others, they serve as shrines for a crew, family, or community as a whole.

Fishing charm, Lamu, Kenya

The oculus, or eye, is a painted wooden disk with Koranic text, and carved flags, flowers, and birds §.
courtesy of the Afrika Museum, the Netherlands

Ocean Planet Exhibition Floorplan

gene carl feldman (gene@seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov) (301) 286-9428

Judith Gradwohl, Smithsonian Institution (Curator/Ocean Planet)