Ancient Guam Era
Mo’na: Circular Concept of History
The Chamorro/CHamoru word mo’na points to the idea that the CHamoru cosmology, in particular during the ancient period of Marianas history, was a circular one
Chamorro Culture
CHamoru/Chamorro Proverbs
Proverbs are popular sayings, phrases of wisdom, or simply a piece of advice. Proverbs express a people’s basic beliefs and values. CHamoru proverbs are often
Chamorro Culture
Kulepbla: Snake
The snake first entered Guam, the CHamoru language and CHamoru consciousness hundreds of years before it physically arrived.
Chamorro Culture
Hilitai: Monitor Lizard
The hilitai or monitor lizard (Varanus tsukamotoi) was introduced to the island before European contact in the 1500’s. It is black or dark green with
Chamorro Culture
Babuen Kuresma: Lenten Boar
Modern-day Guam is a predominantly Catholic society. Some beliefs have passed through generations preserving the practices of the Lenten Season, one of which is of
Ancient Guam Era
Utak: Itak
The utak or itak (Phaethon lepturu) is a bird Chamorros/CHamorus believe plays a role as providing an omen of life and death. The bird is
Chamorro Culture
Gadao yan Otro Pinenta Siha: Traditional Art
Discussing the pre-colonial arts of Chamorros is a difficult task. Documents by the Spanish who first made contact with Chamorros are limited.
Chamorro Culture
Folktale: Chaife’s Lost Soul
God of the underworld. Chaife was the god of the underworld, according to one Guam legend.
Ancient Guam Era
Slingstones: Weapons
The signature weapon of the ancient Chamorro/CHamoru warrior, slingstones of various sizes were sharpened at both ends and hurled from a sling with deadly force
Ancient Guam Era
Niyok: Coconut
The coconut, called niyok in Chamorro/CHamoru and cocos nucifera scientifically, is undoubtedly one of the most important native plant foods in the Mariana Islands. Chief