In an obscure text I read years ago, it was said Rotuman men tattooed night sky maps on their backs to read, chart and stay on course during voyages.

So all sailors on a canoe formed a collection of star maps.

To reach home, it was imperative to keep everyone alive.

Now, I am on a journey to find that book.

Update: At the Alexander Turbull Library NZ. 1 Rotuman recorded drawing star maps for Hocart bet. 1883/1939. Not the book I read and it's a later ref. but supports star mapping on Rotuma. One man only so was it lost by then? One I read refers to men's star map tattoos on backs.

@ArthurIrwing and @fkrfn7 please see earlier tweet on this thread for update. Still ongoing search but will get my long lost book friend located and will share. However, this is a separate reference in this first update. Also can be found on my FB page.