Chamorro Culture
CHamoru/Chamorro Nicknames
The “Better Known As” system. CHamorus have developed a way of identifying people other than their given names. Whether this “better known as” system came
Ancient Guam Era
Mangkalamya: Skilled Artisans
In ancient Chamorro/CHamoru society, each CHamoru was expected to possess knowledge and ability in a wide range of skilled, but unspecialized tasks, generally dictated by
Ancient Guam Era
Aniti: Spirit
Aniti is the ancient CHamoru word which meant spirit. In its contemporary use, it has evolved to mean evil spirit or demon though some people
Chamorro Culture
Hineti
Not all CHamorus fought valiantly against Spanish occupation. There were some who chose to side with the Spanish for a variety of reasons.
Ancient Guam Era
Kepuha: Quipuha
Kepuha (also spelled Quipuha) was a maga’låhi from Hagåtña, whose role in welcoming Spanish missionaries to Guam makes him a controversial figure in the island’s
Ancient Guam Era
Manma’gas: Leaders
Manma’gas is the Chamorro/CHamoru word for leaders when referred to as a group. In ancient Guam, CHamoru leaders were usually the oldest members of clans
Ancient Guam Era
Kantan Chamorita
Kantan Chamorita is the contemporary name given to traditional call-and-response, impromptu verse-making. Practitioners refer to the genre as ayotte’, meaning to throw (verses) back and
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
Ancient Guam Era
Maga’låhi: Highest Ranking Son
A maga’låhi was the first born, high ranking (matua) male head of a CHamoru clan, a role inherited through his maternal lineage. Manmaga’låhi and manmaga’håga
Ancient Guam Era
Maga’håga: Highest Ranking Daughter
A maga’håga was the first born, high ranking (of the matua caste) female head of a CHamoru clan, a role inherited through her maternal lineage.