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Lukao Fuha yan i Pina'ok Tumaiguini
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- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
Lukao Fuha
Some of you already may have known about this or even participated in the celebration of this historic revived ancient tradition of celebrating the Taotao Håya (Chamorro) new year. To me it was very enlightening and I just can't help myself but to write and talk more about it. Telling the story over and over was the way of our ancestors conveying our heritage and history; generation after generation.
The event was Lukao Fuha or a procession to Fouha Rock in Fouha Bay. Fouha Bay was a very sacred place in Ancient times for Chamorros. "It was so sacred that the Spanish accounts even recognize its religious significance. This is important because the priests were committed to doing away with most of the religion of Ancient Chamorros and finding ways to subvert it and make it become subordinate to the new Catholic faith. But Fouha Bay in Umatac was noted for being a place where Chamorros from villages around the entire island would travel to hold a ceremony or gathering to honor Fu'una and Puntan, who according to the priests were the great beings that Chamorros honored as their creators." (Bevacqua, 2014)
"Each year our Taotao Håya celebrated the birth of life emanating from the stories of Fo'na (Fu'una) yan Pontan (Puntan). Great preparations were made for any celebrated event. And in this particular event, families from all the islands would be represented to make their way down to Guam to participate in the celebration of Fo'na yan Pontan, and the games of competition that would ensue." (Punzalan, 2014)
So on February 1, 2014 many people on Guam participated in the procession, orgranized by the groups Our Islands Are Sacred and Hinasso to celebrate the Chamorro New Year and in honor of our ancestors.
Pina'ok Tumaiguini
Also on February 1, 2014 (Pacific Standard Time), approximately 30 descendants of Taotao Håya, and some invited guests, in Washington State made a journey to meet, gather and celebrate the Lunar New Year in honor of a once dormant ancient tradition performed by our ancestors. The gathering was held at the Daybreak Star Cultural Center, Seattle, which is located on unceded Duwamish land. My family and I took part in this intimate celebrated event that we called Pina'ok Tumaiguini.
Pina'ok is to celebrate. Tumaiguini means, "to become like this," and is also the first seasonal moon (month) of the Taotao Håya New Year (consists of 13 lunar months).
The event was beautifully led and organized by Dåko'ta Alcantara-Camacho. At the event, there was a cultural display provided by Noel Borja Quitugua. The event included welcoming remarks, annointment of coconut oil on all participants, some history, a talk by Richard (Native American), and some chants. I had the blessed honor to sound the Kulo!
It was a very uplifting ceremony that I am honored to have participated in and to have shared some of my thoughts with those in attendance. I am proud of the younger generation for leading and taking on this revived ancient tradition of our ancestors.
I have provided some pictures and a couple of videos of Pina'ok Tumaiguini. It is my hope that many others abroad would join in and celebrate this revived ancient tradition of our ancestors. Fan Magof Hamyu Taotao Håya!
Gi Tinituhon
Finakpo
Sources:
- Michael Bevacqua. 2014. Lukao Fuha. Retrieved February 2, 2014 from: http://minagahet.blogspot.com/2014/02/lukao-fuha.html
- Father Peter Coomans. 2000. History of the Mission in the Mariana Islands: 1667-1673, translated and edited by Rodrigue Levesque. Northern Mariana Islands, Division of Historic Preservation: Saipan
- Celeste Perez, ' Fu'una', referenced December 2, 2013, © 2009 Guampedia™, URL: http://guampedia.com/fuuna/
- Bernard Punzalan. 2014. Gupot Lina'la. Retrieved February 2, 2014 from: https://www.facebook.com/hinasso/photos/pb.193309457499884.-2207520000.1391618389./241523389345157/?type=3&theater
- Marcelo Ridabdeneira. 1977. The Account of a Discalced Friar's Stay in the Islands of the Ladrones, translated by Marjorie G. Driver. Guam Recorder Volume 7, pg. 19-21.
Database Update 27 January 2014
- Details
- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
The database has been updated and has grown from 307,563 to 309,745 names.
Vicente Acfalle Champaco: A Chamorro Aquatic Prodigy
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- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
Aquaman?
"Chamorro Aquatic Prodigy," was one of the articles in The Guam Recorder, April 1934 edition that featured Vicente A[cfalle] Champaco. I was like, "Håyi gui?" That would be Tun Vicente Acfalle Champaco, also known by others as "Carabao," with an amazing talent for diving up to 20 fathoms deep in the water (approximately 120 feet).
Hmmm....Was he possibly the original and first "Aquaman" super hero? Perhaps not, but as a side note the Aquaman comic book character was not created until some seven years later in 1941.
So although our very own Aquaman prodigy may have had big lungs for such a feat, he was also described as "This likable and genial lad stands 6 feet 2 inches, weighs 210 pounds, is built somewhat like a 5-ton truck, and has a bicep measurement equal to that of the average man's leg."
I have made a copy of the 1934 article available.
Military Service and World War II
Although the article lists Vicente as a fireman first class, United States Navy (Insular Force), his last official Navy rank was Native Machinist Mate Petty Officer Third Class, United States Navy Reserves.
Unfortunately, Tun Vicente was one of 16 people fatally massacred at Tinta Cave, Guam on July 15, 1944 during World War II. (Babauta, 2009) You will find his name memorialized on the Guam Memorial Wall and the wall National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl). Without a doubt he is a Chamorro hero! In fact, even after Tun Vicente's death, it was his canoe that took several "...Merizo men to their freedom." (Borja)
Genealogy Research Notes
Some genealogy research notes I want to share. These observations although specific to Tun Vicente and his family, are similar observations with other Chamorro families that you should be cognizant of when performing research within the early to mid-1900's period.
Tun Vicente's name was embossed with an additional letter "n" at the Punchbowl wall memorial (see photo above).
Within the military records listing Tun Vicente as being killed in action, his wife, Ana, was listed as Ava Espinosa Champaco.
Because of the cultural differences in surname conventions between the Spanish and U.S. Tan Ana's maiden name is recorded as Ana Espinosa Tedpahago or Ana Tedpahago Espinosa. In fact, Tan Ana's 1982 funeral announcement shows her surname variation.
And finally, I found a priceless family video of Tun Vicente and Tan Ana's descendants on YouTube that seems to be produced by one of their granddaughters, Annie Acfalle Stout
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrmyLA0-z3U
Sources:
Ancestry.com. World War II Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Casualties, 1941-1945 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007.
Leo Babauta, ' War Atrocities: Tinta and Faha Cave Massacres', referenced January 16, 2014, © 2009 Guampedia™, URL: http://guampedia.com/war-atrocities-tinta-and-faha-cave-massacres/
Paul J. Borja. (date unknown). Men Escape Nightmare in Merizo. Retrieved January 15, 2014 from: http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/npswapa/extContent/Lib/liberation14.htm
Guam Pacific Daily News. 1982
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl)
Annie Acfalle Stout. 2010. Y Familia II (video). Retrieved January 15, 2014 from YouTube.
Akgak Weaving: A 1937 Glimpse
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- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
On November 27 2013, I wrote about the "Data on Chamorro Weavers ." That article primarily served as my initial observation of data contained in the 1920, 1930 and 1940 Census, and in the event anyone or even I would have a future interest in researching more about this component of our history and heritage.
Recently, I came across a 1937 article, "Akgak Weaving," from the Guam Recorder that was written by Ana P. Torres. It provided me with a little more insight about the åkgak and additional information for that particular period and so I made a copy of that 1937 article to share with everyone.
Tronkon Åkgak / Åkgak Tree
If you’re like me, I wondered what the åkgak tree look like. Below is a picture of James Bamba and åkgak that he posted on flickr. According to James, the “Tronkon åkgak, or Pandanus tectorius, the local pandanus cultivar planted on Guam for weaving. Propagated by cuttings as the plant isn't reported to fruit or flower. These trees are almost three times as tall as I am.” In the second picture, he was staging these cut stems of åkgak for replanting. I think it’s really cool with what he was doing with these and the many other Chamorro art products he produces every now and then.
According to Ms. Torres article, it is believed that the åkgak may have come from India many centuries ago, where it is primarily cultivated. Among the many weaved uses of the åkgak:
“The dried leaves, when picked and stripped of their rigid spiny keel, are used either in this form or twisted together to lash or secure the framework of houses and thatched roofs.
For weaving mats and large bags, the dried leaves are picked, the spines stripped off and each leaf is rolled and kept in this state for a period of three days. The purpose of the roll is to stretch the leaf.”
“…For weaving small bags, baskets, mats, cigarette cases and other fine work, the young green leaves are picked, steeped in boiling water for two minutes, scraped of their spines, and dried in the sun.”
Si’i (Weaving Tool)
The article also mentions the “si’i,” which is a weaving tool. I found this next picture of the si’i from Peter Toves’ “Chamorro Traditional Tools,” presentation.
Maria L. Mesa & the Weaving Club of Merizo
It was also interesting to note that Mrs. Maria L. Mesa of Merizo was a catalyst for inspiring people with the benefits of derived from manufacturing weaved åkgak products. She even organized a weaving club in Merizo in hope of others villages and people would follow suit.
Guam Åkgak Shop
Also in 1937, there was a sufficient amount of manufacturing weaved products to open the Guam Åkgak Shop at the Island Market Building. The Shop was open from 3:00pm to 5:00pm and on each Saturday from morning to noon. “A large assortment of luncheon sets, coasters, cigarette cases, bridge sets, purses and baskets of all descriptions are available.”
Does anyone recall or know exactly where the Island Market Building was located?
Today’s Weaving Opportunities
I would be curious to know what weaving efforts exist today in our islands that contribute to the economy. Although a lot of effort and labor is involved, weaving does remain an economic opportunity for those willing to make a go of it.
I would imagine many tourists would be willing to purchase weaved products as their authentic souvenirs and memoirs of our islands and culture.
I would also imagine that these products would be priceless for those of us abroad and to proudly display a part of our heritage.
Hafa mahon? Hafa hinasson-mu? What do you think?
Database Update 15 January 2014
- Details
- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
Thanks for your patience. The database has been updated and has grown from 306,393 to 307,563 names.
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