An image of Hagåtña, Guam in 1902.
SummaryAn image of Hagåtña, Guam in 1902. The image and dozens of others were recently donated to the Guam Museum by Mr. John Crandall. The
CHamoru men, in pre-World War II Guam bringing higai or thatch via bullcart to a balangai or gupot higai.
The gupot higai was an important activity in the chenchule’ network that was traditional amongst CHamorus. In exchange for everyone pooling their labor and giving up one day to help a neighbor, all knew that when it came time to thatch the roofs for their homes, they would be taken care of.
The gupot higai was a lively affair with people singing songs, flirting and telling stories and jokes. It was customary that the host for the gupot higai, would need to provide food and refreshments for those helping. The more mångnge’ or delicious the food was, the faster your neighbors tended to work.
Continue Exploring:
An Amazing Treasure: Walking Stick
Summary’An amazing treasure’: Walking stick gifted to President Roosevelt in 1937 push for Guam citizenship is back on island ‘An amazing treasure’: Walking stick gifted
From 1954-1992, the Guam Museum was housed in the Garden House in the Plaza de Espåña in our island’s capital Hagåtña
SummaryFrom 1954-1992, the Guam Museum was housed in the Garden House in the Plaza de Espåña in our island’s capital Hagåtña. Tens of thousands of
Fantastical Fixations
SummaryFantastical Fixations – Guam Museum Café Gallery from November 15 – December 30, 2025. Tuesday to Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 AM