Guinahan Famagu’on: Children’s Wealth
Commonly translated as “children’s wealth,” guinahan famagu’on refers to a type of traditional turtle shell valuable, or ålas, used in the highly reciprocal lifestyle of
Ålas: Turtle Shell Ornaments
The term ålas (derived from the Spanish term alhajas, which means jewelry) refers to turtle shell valuables used within the highly reciprocal associations of the
Chamorro Culture
Chenchule’: Social Reciprocity
Chenchule’ refers to the intricate system of social reciprocity at the heart of ancient and contemporary CHamoru society. Chenchule’ is a support system of exchange
Ancient Guam Era
Warfare
Early European accounts of ancient Chamorro/CHamoru warriors marveled at their strength, skill and fearsome weapons. According to one missionary, CHamorus were amongst the strongest of
Art
Theater
Performing theaters on Guam became a home to many plays and playwrights, both international and local. As an island that continues to emphasize and perpetuate
Division of Labor by Age, Class, Gender
From ancient times to modern CHamoru society, CHamorus have used age, gender, placement within the family (e.g. first born), abilities, and social status to some
Art
Poetry/Spoken Word
Sinangån-ta Poetry Slam traces its beginnings to the collaborative effort of three Chamorros imbued with a burning desire to cultivate spoken word among the island
Ancient Guam Era
Agad’na: Canoe Builders
The ancient CHamorus who were skilled at canoe building and navigation were called agad’na. Early European accounts regularly marveled at these CHamoru vessels, William Dampier.
Art
Chant
References to chanting practices of the CHamoru people can be found in early missionary documents. Fray Juan Pobre, writing about his stay in Rota in
Ancient Guam Era
CHamoru/Chamorro Dance
Native dance of the CHamoru people was only vaguely described by early visitors to the Mariana Islands. The Jesuit annual report for 1669 to 1670