Micronesia
Sand Origin
Finkupo Lelu and Insrefusr Lelu
Random Sand Fact
In Micronesia, generations of navigators have learned to cross open ocean by building a compass in sand.
A circle is drawn directly in the sand as a model of the horizon. Lines connect different points, while pieces of coral or shell are placed in the sand to show where selected stars and constellations rise and set.
Islands, reefs, winds and ocean swells are added to the same sand model.
Students draw, move, erase and begin again until the entire system is held in memory.
When they set out to sea, the sand stays on the shore. The knowledge goes with them.
