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Protective ritual is another part of what a navigator must learn. He is said to be the "father" of his crew, who depend on him for their welfare. Properly invoking patron spirits of navigation, carefully observing necessary taboos, employing spells to prevent storms and ward off sharks, providing protective amulets for the vessel are also among a navigator's responsibilities and among the things he must learn. He should also know enough of the special rhetoric and spells associated with politics and diplomacy to ensure hospitality and safe conduct for himself and his crew on arrival at other islands. Such knowledge is especially useful where voyagers do not have kin connections and where people are likely therefore to be suspicious and even overtly hostile. |
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Their ritual knowledge, particularly, sets
navigators apart. To exercise their office, they must
observe various taboos. They must avoid sexual intercourse
before undertaking a voyage and until safe return home. They
may eat only such food as has been separately prepared for
them. The boathouse is their special preserve. 
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