Basic biology. The giant clam is a member of the Phylum Mollusca and the Class Bivalvia. These clams have two shells (called “valves”) that are hinged on what is called an umbo. Their flesh or mantle is the mechanism that secretes the clam’s shell.
Hima: Conserving a Cultural Heritage Read Post »
Betel nut use. Areca (Betel) nut is the seed of the palm known scientifically as Areca catechu. Betel nut is the fourth most widely used psychoactive substance in the world, following only caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. These substances act upon the central nervous system to alter brain function, resulting in temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness and behavior. Over 600 million people chew betel nut worldwide, including Indians, Asians, and Pacific Islanders. In the Mariana Islands, betel nut, or pugua, chewing is a social pastime that extends friendship.
Freycinet also noted that an examination of CHamoru words and phrases supports the idea that the islanders were knowledgeable about astronomy and maritime arts. For instance CHamorus had names for the stars.
Ancient CHamoru Calendar Read Post »
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 visited share the food and couple it with conversation.
Ko’lao yan Fattoigue: Custom of Bringing a Gift of Food Read Post »
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 CHamoru. Though it was worn as a necklace, it was not like other turtle shell valuables in that it was also worn by men.
Guinahan Famagu’on: Children’s Wealth Read Post »
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 indigenous people of the Mariana Islands. Women, most especially, wore turtle shell as body ornamentation.
Ålas: Turtle Shell Ornaments Read Post »
