A rich tradition of pottery-making and coastal living

Our most ancient ancestors brought with them when they settled the Mariana Islands, a rich tradition of pottery-making and coastal living. The artifacts they left behind tell us about how they lived.

Litekyan (Guam), Achugao (Saipan) and Tåga’ (Tinian) are among some of the earliest known settlements in the Pacific Islands to date, featuring an abundance of “empe’tinaha” or pottery sherds, dating as early as 3,500 years ago.

Nearby rivers provided clay for pots. Pottery shape, size and decorations found in Pre-Latte and Latte era sites reflect changes in environment and lifestyle.

The earliest pottery our ancestors made was thin-walled with intricate lime-incised decorations. Patterns and motifs imprinted in pottery could have reflected clan symbols or features of the environment.

Beginning about 2,500 years ago, pots became larger and heavier, with thicker walls and simpler decorations. Some pots had vertical sidewalls and a flat bottom.

About 1,000 years ago, at the start of the Latte period, pots began to have thick rims and little or no decoration. As our ancestors settled into more permanent homes, and overall population of CHamorus was increasing, they produced larger, heavier, and less ornate pots for daily use. Additionally, the new pot styles may have reflected different foods or ways of cooking.