Skip to content

Ancient Guam: Politics

Ancient Guam Era, Ancient Guam: Politics, Ancient Guam: Religion, Chamorro Culture, Civic Society, Historic Eras of Guam, Matrilineal Systems, Our Heritage, People, People and Places, Politics and Government, Religion, Roles of Family Members, Spanish Era

Kepuha: Quipuha

Kepuha (also spelled Quipuha) was a maga’låhi from Hagåtña, whose role in welcoming Spanish missionaries to Guam makes him a controversial figure in the island’s history. Kepuha was the first CHamoru to be baptized after he gave Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores the authority and land to start a Catholic mission in Hagåtña.

Kepuha: Quipuha Read Post »

Ancient Guam Era, Ancient Guam: Politics, Chamorro Culture, Civic Society, Historic Eras of Guam, Our Heritage, Politics and Government, Social Control, Social Stratification

Manma’gas: Leaders

Manma’gas is the Chamorro/CHamoru word for leaders when referred to as a group. In ancient Guam, CHamoru leaders were usually the oldest members of clans and were looked up to for their guidance and wisdom. The male leader of a clan is referred to as the maga’låhi (eldest son) and the female as maga’håga (eldest daughter).

Manma’gas: Leaders Read Post »

Ancient Guam Era, Ancient Guam: Politics, Chamorro Culture, Civic Society, Historic Eras of Guam, Matrilineal Systems, Our Heritage, Politics and Government, Roles of Family Members

Maga’låhi: Highest Ranking Son

A maga’låhi was the first born, high ranking (matua) male head of a CHamoru clan, a role inherited through his maternal lineage. Manmaga’låhi and manmaga’håga (female leaders of the clan) societal status and consideration varied, depending on the productivity of their clan’s land, ocean resources and manpower.

Maga’låhi: Highest Ranking Son Read Post »

Ancient Guam Era, Ancient Guam: Politics, Chamorro Culture, Civic Society, Historic Eras of Guam, Matrilineal Systems, Our Heritage, Politics and Government, Roles of Family Members

Maga’håga: Highest Ranking Daughter

A maga’håga was the first born, high ranking (of the matua caste) female head of a CHamoru clan, a role inherited through her maternal lineage. Manmaga’håga (female leaders of a clan) and manmaga’låhi (male leaders of the clan) societal status and consideration varied, depending on the productivity of their clan’s land, ocean resources and manpower.

Maga’håga: Highest Ranking Daughter Read Post »

Scroll to Top