The Chamoru people are the native people of Guam. Guam lies in the Pacific Ocean about 5,800 miles (9,300 kilometers) west of San Francisco and 1,600 miles east of Manila. Guam has a pleasant tropical climate. Temperatures range from 70°to 90°F ( 21°to 32°C ) and are fairly even throughout the year. Average annual rainfall is about 95 inches (2.4 meters), three-fourths of which falls during the wet season, generally starting in May or June and lasting through November. The even climate is punctuated by destructive typhoons that occur at irregular intervals.
Their language is not a Micronesian dialect but a distinct language with its own vocabulary and grammar. Although English is the island's official language, Chamoru is still spoken in many native homes. Because of three centuries of Spanish rule in Guam, numerous Spanish and Filipino words became integrated into Chamoru, but not enough to make the languages mutually intelligible.
Prior to being an American Territory in 1898, Guam was colonized by Spain from 1521 which, in order to preserve the lucrative Spanish galleon trade routes. The Spanish almost exterminated the original inhabitants of Guam. The Spanish policy was one of conquest by eliminating Guam’s indigenous male warriors through war and displacing them from their islands. They ignored the fact that Chamoru culture is matrilineal. The strength and fortitude of the Chamoru women successfully kept continuous the indigenous culture and traditions.
The Chamoru culture is known for their dance, sea navigation, unique foods and games. Chamoru culture has many complex social protocols centered upon respect. Some examples are kissing the hands of their elders, passing of legends, and chants. They are also masters of canoe making, belembautyan making ( a musical instrument ), sling stone making, weaving, manufacturing of spears, and other tools. Chamoru culture has unique methods for preparation of medicine and asking their ancestors for permission when entering the jungle.
Though this page has been carefully researched, the author does not claim expertise on the Chamoru.
Please send questions, comments, and corrections to emuseum@mnsu.edu and include the URL.
If you are Chamoru, your feedback is much appreciated.
Written by Takanori Shimodate
Sources:
“Chamorro – Britannica.com.” Britannica.com. (1999 –2000)
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9022344?&query=chamorro 10 October, 2000.
“ Guam’s culture.” Thinkquest library. http://library.thinkquest.org/J001561/guam/culture.html?tqskip=1 10 October, 2000
“ Guam culture page.” The Official Guam U.S.A. WebSite. Welcome to Guam! (1995 – 1998) http://ns.gov.gu/culture.html 10 October, 2000:
“Santos turning to a life of protest.” Rlene “Live” (1999):
http://www.rlenelive.com/Publications/1999/Variety/112299.htm 10 October, 2000
“MINA’ BENTE SINGKO NA LIHESLATURAN GUAHAN” WWW.GUAM.NET 6.0
http://www.guam.net/gov/senate/mforbes/25th%20Guam%20Legislature/Bills%20Introduced/Bill%20No.%20056.html 10 October, 2000
“CHAMORRO CULTURE IN THE PACIFIC” PIDP
http://pidp.ewc.hawaii.edu/PIReport/1999/November/11-26-15.htm 10 October, 2000