Uncover the 5 Jaw-Dropping Secrets of Museum Artifacts That Will Change Your View of History Forever!

The Guam Museum's permanent exhibit offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the interconnectedness of nature and culture. Upon entering the gallery, guests are enveloped by visuals of the ocean, trees, and waterfalls, which blur the lines between the interior space and the great outdoors. This environment serves as a poignant reminder that for the earliest CHamoru ancestors, life was fundamentally intertwined with nature—a relationship that continues to resonate today.

Although long-time state historian Malia Ramirez is no longer with us, her teachings remain invaluable for understanding this connection. She often recounted a saying from her mother:

“I tano’ siña ha’ ti un nina’gefsåga, lao ti un nina’ñålang,”

which translates to, “The land may not make you rich, but it will never let you be hungry.” This proverb encapsulates the CHamoru worldview, which emphasizes respect for and balance with nature. By nurturing the land and sea, rather than merely extracting from them, the CHamoru people have ensured their survival and prosperity for generations.

The exhibit introduces visitors to the relationship between the CHamoru ancestors, known as i Manaotaomo’na, and Guåhan, the island they have called home for thousands of years. The name Guåhan itself means “we have,” highlighting the island's richness and abundance. Guåhan’s diverse environments—including I Tasi (the open ocean), Sanhålum I Mattingan (the lagoon), I Mattingan (the reef), I Kånton Tåsi (the beach), and I Fi’on Tåsi (coastal areas)—offer essential resources for living and thriving. Wetlands like Hagoe, Sisonyan yan Fanmangle’an Siha, jungles and forests (Halom Tåno’), as well as savannas and valleys (Sabaneta yan Kañåda Siha), contribute food, medicines, and various materials that sustain life.

Archaeological findings and cultural knowledge suggest that the CHamoru ancestors were among the earliest Pacific Island peoples to form a deep connection with their homeland. Over generations, they cultivated this land, sharing customs, values, and traditions that were passed down through time. The interplay between human ingenuity and the island’s natural offerings has shaped both the environment and the culture of Guåhan. For instance, the reefs, ocean, and shoreline provide not only fish and shellfish but also materials for adornment. Coastal areas serve as sources for medicines and other crucial resources, while forests and wetlands supply wood and fiber for constructing homes, crafting canoes, and fashioning tools.

The landscapes of Guåhan have historically been sites of learning and recreation, with elders today recounting how previous generations transformed vines into jumping ropes or created kites from large leaves and twigs. As visitors navigate through the gallery, they encounter scenes depicting the daily lives of CHamoru people—men, women, and children—working together to sustain their communities.

This exhibit prompts essential inquiries: What qualities enabled the early CHamoru ancestors to reach and inhabit these islands thousands of years ago? How did the ancestral spirits, or mananiti, guide their lives? Which locales on the island were settled first, and what innovative techniques did these ancestors employ for fishing and gathering materials? These reflections emphasize that the narrative of Guåhan is not solely rooted in the past; it is an ongoing story that continues to influence how inhabitants understand their home and their role within it.

To engage more with this rich tapestry of history and culture, visitors can follow the Guam Museum on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Those interested in supporting the museum can consider becoming friends of the Museum or exploring further information through the Guam Museum Foundation website, www.guammuseumfoundation.org.

Kelly Marsh-Taitano, a curator at the Guam Museum, leads the Cultural Anthropology and History Unit. With a background in teaching Guam History and Anthropology at the University of Guam, she also has served as a senator in the 35th Guam Legislature, further contributing to the preservation and promotion of Guåhan's cultural heritage.