Ancient Guam Era
Origin of CHamoru/Chamorro as an Ethnic Identifier
First used in the 16th Century. Inscribed on the Great Seal of Guam are the words “Tano I’ ManChamorro,” or Land of the Chamorros/CHamorus.
Chamorro Culture
Fiestas
In the long ago past, there were no fiestas. What was practiced were gatherings of clans to celebrate special events such as harvesting of a
Chamorro Culture
CHamoru/Chamorro Surnames
Traditionally, CHamorus didn’t have surnames. Each person was known by a first name and was probably referred to also according to his clan name.
Chamorro Culture
CHamoru/Chamorro Nicknames
The “Better Known As” system. CHamorus have developed a way of identifying people other than their given names. Whether this “better known as” system came
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
Ancient Guam Era
Aniti: Spirit
Aniti is the ancient CHamoru word which meant spirit. In its contemporary use, it has evolved to mean evil spirit or demon though some people
Chamorro Culture
Hineti
Not all CHamorus fought valiantly against Spanish occupation. There were some who chose to side with the Spanish for a variety of reasons.
Kepuha: Quipuha
Kepuha (also spelled Quipuha) was a maga’låhi from Hagåtña, whose role in welcoming Spanish missionaries to Guam makes him a controversial figure in the island’s
Manma’gas: Leaders
Manma’gas is the Chamorro/CHamoru word for leaders when referred to as a group. In ancient Guam, CHamoru leaders were usually the oldest members of clans
Kantan Chamorita
Kantan Chamorita is the contemporary name given to traditional call-and-response, impromptu verse-making. Practitioners refer to the genre as ayotte’, meaning to throw (verses) back and