Traditional and contemporary arts and artisans.
Body ornamentation. All human cultures practice some form of body ornamentation. Body ornamentation refers to the ways in which people decorate or dress their bodies for any number of reasons or occasions.
Ancient CHamoru Jewelry: Manmade Accessories and Body Coverings Read Post »
Talo’fo’fo boy. The musician “JD Crutch” was a man who was both artist and outlaw, in a manner of speaking. In order to break new ground, an artist has to defy existing laws that govern what is acceptable for the time.
Joseph “JD Crutch” Duenas Read Post »
The Compadres was a musical band that formed in the early 1960s as the Continentals. The group, at certain points in time, was also known as the Jass Society (1970-1973) and Tropic Voice (1979-1980).
Herreron CHamoru. Blacksmithing, in the form that it is most known today, has only existed on Guam for a few centuries. On the surface blacksmithing on Guam might appear to be something which was introduced by the Spanish.
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 forth.
The belembaotuyan is a long single-stringed musical instrument historically found on Guam. It is classified as a stick zither, which is an instrument with no neck or yoke. The string is stretched between the two ends of the body and has an attached resonator.
Patrick Palomo’s interest in music developed at an early age when he would follow his father, the well-known musician Joaquin “Ding” Palomo, to band practice. Patrick Palomo had the opportunity to see his father play alongside some of Guam’s most noted musicians during these practices at the home of Forrest Harris, a noted guitarist on Guam.
Mr. Smooth Norbert Tydingco is best known for playing the smoothest chord progressions in the local jazz arena earning for himself the nickname “Mr. Smooth.” Tydingco’s love of music began
Louie Gombar is an accomplished musician on Guam known for his playing of the vibes (vibraharp). Gombar started out as a musician at the young age of twelve using bottles filled with water and playing them as if they were the vibes. Soon after, Gombar began to get exposure to Guam’s music scene.
Jose Naputi Gumabon, Sr. (1904 – 1968) was musically and artistically gifted. He formed a stringed orchestra with his sons and close friends to play at parties, weddings, christenings, and other functions. Although Gumabon and his musician sons have since passed away, their memories live on through their children, relatives and fellow musicians.
