Ancient Guam Era
Manåmko’
Manåmko’ is a Chamorro/CHamoru word which means the elderly. Manåmko’ can be translated into two words: The main word or subject is amko meaning elderly,
Ancient Guam Era
Ko’lao yan Fattoigue: Custom of Bringing a Gift of Food
The term ko’lao yan fattoigue refers to the customary practice of bringing food to someone with whom you are visiting. Oftentimes, the visitor and the
Ancient Guam Era
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
Ancient Guam Era
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
Ancient Guam Era
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
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.
Chamorro Culture
Nginge’: Showing Respect
Nginge’ is a term that describes the smelling or sniffing of the back part of an elder’s slightly raised right hand. Elders, or manåmko, collectively
Ancient Guam Era
Matatnga: Fearless
Matatnga is defined as “strong personality or fearless.” Chief Hurao, a CHamoru leader during the Spanish-CHamoru wars in the late 1600s, was the living embodiment