Chamorro

Chamorro refers to the indigenous people of the Mariana Islands, located in the western Pacific Ocean. They are an Austronesian ethnic group with a rich cultural heritage that predates European contact. The Mariana Islands, which include Guam, Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, are the ancestral homeland of the Chamorro people.

Historically, Chamorro society was organized into villages, with social status determined by lineage and oratorical skill. They were skilled navigators and seafarers, relying on the ocean for sustenance and trade. Traditional Chamorro culture is characterized by a strong sense of community, respect for elders, and a deep connection to their land and ancestors. Their traditional language, also called Chamorro, is an Austronesian language that is still spoken today, though it has been influenced by Spanish and English.

The arrival of Europeans in the 16th century brought significant changes to Chamorro society. Spanish colonization, which lasted for over 300 years, introduced Catholicism, new languages, and political structures. This period also saw a decline in the Chamorro population due to disease and conflict. Following Spanish rule, the islands came under German and then Japanese administration before becoming a United States territory. Despite these external influences, the Chamorro people have strived to preserve their identity, language, and cultural traditions. Today, Chamorro communities reside both in the Mariana Islands and in diaspora, particularly in the United States.