The Chamorro
The Chamorro (CHamoru) are the indigenous people of the Mariana Islands, including Guam, as territory of the United States. People born in Guam are US citizens but do not vote in the presidential election of have representation in Congress. Guam was first settled about 3,500 years ago by travelers from Southeast Asia.
Chamorro legend says the universe was created by a twin brother and sister, out of the parts of the brother's dying body. Another traditional belief is of the taotaomona, a spirit that protects the wilderness of the Mariana Islands.
Chamorro material culture was very advanced. Craftspeople were weavers and pot-makers, and their creations were beautiful and functional. The latte stone, now a symbol of Chamorro identity, was used as a pillar to support a raised building.
Chamorro society was matrilineal avunvuvlan (primary parents are mother and the mother's brothers) and caste-based. All castes performed physical labor, but had unique duties.
[image description: a latte stone. A pillar, upon which sits a rounded rock with a smooth face. It is made of rough, gray rock.]
