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
Maga’låhi: Highest Ranking Son
A maga’låhi was the first born, high ranking (matua) male head of a CHamoru clan, a role inherited through his maternal lineage. Manmaga’låhi and manmaga’håga
Maga’håga: Highest Ranking Daughter
A maga’håga was the first born, high ranking (of the matua caste) female head of a CHamoru clan, a role inherited through her maternal lineage.
Folktale: Puntan and Fu’una: Gods of Creation
Puntan and Fu’una are the Chamorro/CHamoru creation gods. Puntan, a male, and Fu’una, a female, are brother and sister. The account of their creation of
Ancient Guam Era
CHamoru/Chamorro Numbers
Permission to use from Dipåttamenton i Kaohao Guinahan CHamoru. Leblon Numiru, Government of Guam. Department of Education, Hagåtña, Guam.
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),
Techa: Traditional Prayer Leader
In the Mariana Islands, the techa is the traditional prayer leader who directs and recites the prayers and hymns for various religious activities within the
Chamorro Culture
Nobena: Novena (Catholic Devotional Prayers)
The nobena, or novena, is a series of devotional prayers said over the course of nine days that are associated with the various feasts of
Chamorro Culture
Bela: Wake or Vigil
Every human culture recognizes and accepts death as a natural part of life. Rituals, though, are often used by a society to sanctify death and
Burial Practices
Although death is an occasion for grief, the CHamorus consider it as a chance for the extended family throughout the island to gather and pray