Ancient Guam Era
Saina: Gender Roles
Since ancient times, Chamorro/CHamoru society has assigned both distinct and overlapping roles by gender. Both parents participate in family decisions, provide continuing support of their
Ancient Guam Era
Saina: Elders
Parents and other elders are important in Chamorro/CHamoru family and culture. CHamorus gain respect and status as they age.
Ancient Guam Era
Poksai: Informal Adoption
Poksai is a CHamoru verb meaning “to nurture.” It refers to the common Pacific Islander practice of informal adoption among extended family members.
Ancient Guam Era
Familia
Familia, a Spanish word meaning family, has a more inclusive definition in CHamoru. The term familia includes not only one’s immediate family members, but the
Ancient Guam Era
Matå’pang: Matapang
History will remember Maga’låhi Matå’pang from Tomhom (Tumon) as the man responsible for murdering Father Diego Luís de San Vitores, the Spanish Jesuit priest who
Ancient Guam Era
Hurao
Hurao is one of the most celebrated Chamorro/CHamoru chiefs in Guam’s history. He was a Hagåtña Chamorri (high caste) in the late 1600’s, who with
Ancient Guam Era
Agualin
Agualin (also referred to in historic documents as “Aguarin”) was a Chamorro/CHamoru chief who led several revolts against the Spanish. He was from Hagåtña, but
Ancient Guam Era
Pole and Thatched Homes
Throughout Guam’s history the most common type home was a rectangular pole and thatch structure with a raised floor. Today this type of structure has
Ancient Guam Era
Latte Structures
Latte structures are stone archaeological remains unique to the Mariana Islands. A stone pillar supports a hemispherical capstone to form a latte.
Ancient Guam Era
Latte
Latte (also latde) is a CHamoru term that refers to stone pillars and cup-shaped capitals or capstones, which represent house supports and are ascribed to