Ethnographer Blog

 Claire Thacker

Mr. Roddy 

IHSS

24 August 2021 


    My favorite memory of when I spent 5 years with the Oceanic people is when they taught me how to catch fish. I was taught how to make a fishing rod, and how to make the string used to catch fish on. I was then taught how to get the fish bait, which was larva from around the more woody part of the area where they lived. They taught me how to cast my rod and wait, the waiting was the hardest part. We'd be out in the water for hours at a time waiting for a single fish. I eventually learned how to make the nets and was able to catch more than one fish at a time. We would work together to weave the nets together. After we had made the nets we'd take it out in the water,  and when we saw a school of fish throw it out and hope the fish went into the net. Fishing with them was one of my fondest memories. It really helped me to integrate into their culture as fishing was something that was very vital for their survival. Fishing was also a sacred practice to the Oceanic people, it was a talent and skill that was passed down from elders to children. There would be fishing celebrations where kids would compete to see who could catch the most fish in a day. Then at the end, there would be a huge feast with all of the fish that were caught that day. The kid who won would then have bragging rights for the rest of the year. Kids would practice all year for this tradition, it was definitely a big deal. I had so much fun watching everyone interact and how happy the celebration made everyone. I was also taught about the different fish and what was good to eat and what wasn't. I learned about other sea life too. For example, sea urchins hurt if you step on them, for two reasons: 1. they have spikes 2. they are poisonous (I learned that the hard way.) My time with the Oceanic people was very enjoyable. I'm glad I was able to go and study them and their culture so we can keep their traditions and culture alive. 

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