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Rebbilib (navigational chart)

19th–early 20th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 350
Navigational maps, commonly known as "stick charts," were originally used in the Marshall Islands by navigators during long ocean voyages. Although stylized, the charts were functional objects providing information on the locations of individual islands as well as wave patterns.

This example consists of a gridlike structure of seven vertical sticks lashed to four horizontal ones. The corners extend outside the main grid, while three curved strips, possibly representing the patterns of ocean swells, extend from side to side. The intersections created by the slanting sticks at the corners may indicate the locations of specific islands. In some instances, small cowrie shells, absent on this example, are also used to indicate the positions of individual islands.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Rebbilib (navigational chart)
  • Artist: Marshall Islands artist
  • Date: 19th–early 20th century
  • Geography: Republic of the Marshall Islands
  • Culture: Marshallese people
  • Medium: Coconut palm midrib, fiber
  • Dimensions: H. 35 1/4 x W. 43 1/4 x D. 1 in. (89.5 x 109.9 x 2.5 cm)
  • Classification: Basketry-Implements
  • Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of the Estate of Kay Sage Tanguy, 1963
  • Object Number: 1978.412.826
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

Audio

Cover Image for 1186. Navigational Chart (Rebbilib)

1186. Navigational Chart (Rebbilib)

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