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.

Weather Charm

Weather charm, Puluwat Atoll, Caroline Islands, Micronesia, early 20th century

Canoe navigators consecrated charms to divert storms and bad weather, and to appeal to benevolent water spirits. National Museum of Natural History

Ocean Planet Exhibition Floorplan

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

Judith Gradwohl, Smithsonian Institution (Curator/Ocean Planet)