How did pacific islanders use sticks and shells to navigate in Oceania?

Pacific Islanders used sticks and shells as navigational tools by employing them to create and interpret complex systems of wayfinding. Sticks were often crafted into models representing the stars, ocean swells, and island locations, helping navigators understand their position relative to these elements. Shells, particularly those with different shapes and colors, were utilized to represent specific winds, currents, or landmarks. This intricate knowledge, passed down through generations, allowed skilled navigators to traverse vast ocean distances without modern instruments.