Social Stratification - Guampedia

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

At the time of the American capture of Guam in June 1898, the Spanish-built Governor's Palace was in a deteriorated condition.

Chamorro Culture

Peninsulares

Two terms were used to differentiate the origin of the Spaniards residing In the 19th century colonial Philippines. A Spaniard born in Spain was referred

Chamorro Culture

Natural

Spanish administrative term. This name is given to the primitive Indians with whom the Spaniards settled the peace agreements, although their descendants had mixed by

Ignacia Butler, back row center, poses with her family in 1912. Her father, Baltazar Bordallo, was from Saucelle, Spain. Her mother, Rita Borja Pangelinan, was from Hågat, Guam. The children, from left, Baltazar Jerome ("BJ"), Delfina, Ignacia, Carlos, and Tomas. Corrections provided by Donna Champion from Clara Mae Champion. Jacqui Champion-McMahon photo.

Chamorro Culture

Mestizo (Mestisu)

During Spanish colonial rule in the Marianas, the term mestizo (mestisu in CHamoru) referred to a person of mixed parentage. In its original context, as

Ancient Guam Era

Manåmko’

Manåmko’ is a Chamorro/CHamoru word which means the elderly. Manåmko’ can be translated into two words: The main word or subject is amko meaning elderly,