The nasa, a trap made from split bamboo

Guam’s wetlands include marshes, swamps, estuaries, river valleys, springs and mangroves.
 
These are thriving habitats for many animals, such as uhang (freshwater shrimp), pulan (moon fish), alimåsak (small crayfish) and atmangao (mangrove crab), which were important sources of protein for the CHamoru people for thousands of years.

At the time of Spanish colonization, CHamoru culture was divided into different social castes. Those of the higher caste had regular access to the ocean and the beach for their food supply. Those of the lower caste, called the manachang, were restricted from fishing in the ocean and were allowed to catch food only in the rivers.

To catch freshwater shrimp, our ancestors created the nasa, a trap made from split bamboo. It was baited with coconut meat. As material such metal became more readily available in the 20th century, many CHamorus adapted their nåsa, replacing bamboo with wire in their fabrication.

The Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities or Guam CAHA has recognized two individuals as Masters of CHamoru Culture for their making of the nåsa, difunto Pedro Muña Pangelinan and difunta Rosita San Nicolas.