Ancient Guam Era
Manachang
In the social organization of Chamorro/CHamoru society, individuals from the lowest class were known as manachang. In her study of early CHamoru culture, anthropologist Laura
Chamorro Culture
Mannakhilo’ and Mannakpåpa’
Under Spanish colonial rule, the introduction of Spanish customs, social systems and land tenure disrupted traditional practices of land ownership and social class structure of
Ancient Guam Era
Matao and Acha’ot
Early accounts of traditional Chamorro/CHamoru society describe at least two distinct social castes—the chamorri, or upper caste, and the manachang, or lower caste. The chamorri
Ancient Guam Era
Social Classes in Traditional CHamoru/Chamorro Society
The social ranking of individuals, whether by age, gender or social status, has always been important in Chamorro society. In pre-Spanish times, social status dictated
Chamorro Culture
Folktale: Puntan Dos Amantes
The story of the two lovers who tied their hair together and leapt to their death on Guam was first recorded by French researcher Louis
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