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)