Interpreting history, culture, identity and society from an indigenous perspective
It is difficult to envision the reality of Chamorros who survived the colonization by Spain. A 10-year-old boy who witnessed the arrival of Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores in 1668, would have seen an almost 93 percent drop in the population of his people if he lived to be 64-years-old.
Envisioning the Past: Near Extinction Read Post »
Colonialism is a process of usurping an existing order or orders of meaning for a territory or a people, and replacing them with a new order which is defined by the colonizer at that order’s apex. The intended result is that the colonizer will from then on be understood as the source of the colonial world’s order, and the source of any potential progress.
American-Style Colonialism Read Post »
Editor’s note: This glossary was reprinted from ”Cultural Traditions,” of the Hale’-ta Series, with permission from the Department of CHamoru Affairs, Government of Guam. Alåguan- Åtgedon CHamoru Word English Meaning
Hale’-ta: CHamoru/Chamorro Cultural Glossary Read Post »
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 in which families express their care and concern for each other, as well as a sense of obligation to each other while working together to help each family meet its needs.
Chenchule’: Social Reciprocity Read Post »
Taotaomo’na, the people of before, refers to ancestral spirits that inhabited the earth along with the living. Ancient Chamorros/CHamorus believed the world around them was full of spirits who provided both daily protection and assistance in their tasks, but also created dangers and problems.
Interpretive essay: Striving for harmony is the foundation to CHamoru culture. The phrase inafa’ maolek (pronounced e-na-fah mao-lek) describes the CHamoru concept of restoring harmony or order. The literal translation is ‘to make’ (inafa’) ‘good’ (maolek).
Inafa’maolek: Striving for Harmony Read Post »
