Powers of Perception

The story of the ancient Polynesian navigators provides insights for modern organizations who wish to navigate their journey toward wisdom. Studies of Polynesian maritime skills reveal a stunning array of techniques that enabled voyaging across extensive distances to make a landfall. Star compasses that divided the horizon into thirty-two sectors were aligned with markers to determine the star path, and the Southern Cross could be used for long periods as it changed its attitude in the night sky. The ocean swell guided canoes by day and steering was as much a matter of feel as it was of sight. The flight path of migratory birds and seabirds that returned to land at night provided important information. Cloud formations over high islands and the influence of land on ocean swells helped the navigators identify land from as far as fifty—ninety kilometers away. Coral atolls produced unique cloud formations that provided important information for seasoned navigators. For example, islands with heavy vegetation gave darker tinge, while those with white sand gave bright sheen. Also integral to a navigator’s repertoire in reading the signposts of nature was the importance of understanding the trade winds (G. Irwin in Howe, 2006: 80; D. Lewis in Walker, 1990/2004: 26–27).