óloms

Olom's are a type of navigational instrument used by ancient seafarers in the Pacific Island region. The term "óloms" refers to a range of spherical or cylindrical devices used for determining latitude and direction at sea.

In traditional Olom construction, a wooden or stone sphere or cylinder is divided into sections, often with a combination of circular and radial markings. The sections typically represent the arc degrees of a circle, with the faces of each section often showing the hours of the day or the directions of the cardinal points.

The makers of Olom navigational tools, skilled in astronomy, would use the movements of the stars and planets to create alignments within these devices. These subtle alignments were used to read navigational data, including the time and prevailing wind directions.

The use of Olom devices is thought to have originated among the Lapita culture, who were highly skilled sailors and navigators. The sophistication of these tools showcases their understanding of celestial navigation principles. The Oloms have been adopted by various Pacific Island communities, each with their own unique variation.

Today, the relevance of Olom's can be observed through historical records, some of which can be found in and around Pacific Island museums and collections.