Division of Labor - Guampedia

Stretching from the ancient Chamorros to the present day, the skill of weaving coconut leaves has shifted from necessity to the realm of arts and crafts. Victor Consaga for Guampedia.

Ancient Guam Era

Mangkalamya: Skilled Artisans

In ancient Chamorro/CHamoru society, each CHamoru was expected to possess knowledge and ability in a wide range of skilled, but unspecialized tasks, generally dictated by

A village scene depicts the difference in caste through body language and building structures. Also illustrated is the lack of body coverings as being unnecessary. Bachelor’s houses were houses for young CHamoru/Chamorro men in the Mariana Islands from ancient times until the late 1600s. A village scene of the Ancient CHamorus illustrated by JA Pellion from Freycinet’s Voyage Autour de Monde, Paris, 1824. Guam Public Library System

Ancient Guam Era

Mampolitiku: Politics

The Matua controlled the most resources and lands and were the most politically powerful class. Historical accounts give us a clear image of their place

Ancient Guam Era

Pumeska: Hunters on Land and Sea

Ancient Chamorro/CHamorus were avid hunters both on land and sea. They developed many methods of eguihan (fishing), ranging from etupak (line fishing), lagua’ (net fishing),

Ancient Guam Era

Warfare

Early European accounts of ancient Chamorro/CHamoru warriors marveled at their strength, skill and fearsome weapons. According to one missionary, CHamorus were amongst the strongest of

Division of Labor by Age, Class, Gender

From ancient times to modern CHamoru society, CHamorus have used age, gender, placement within the family (e.g. first born), abilities, and social status to some

Ancient Guam Era

Agad’na: Canoe Builders

The ancient CHamorus who were skilled at canoe building and navigation were called agad’na. Early European accounts regularly marveled at these CHamoru vessels, William Dampier.