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Summary

Ancient CHamorus made at least half a dozen different canoes for sailing in the waters around Guam and between islands in Micronesia. As part of their colonization of the Marianas, the Spanish destroyed many of these canoes and prevented CHamorus from passing on the knowledge of how to carve and navigate them.

Two Chamoru peskådot

Two Chamoru peskådot tending to their galaide in Malesso’, in prewar Guam.
Two Chamoru peskådot tending to their galaide in Malesso’, in prewar Guam.

Ancient CHamorus made at least half a dozen different canoes for sailing in the waters around Guam and between islands in Micronesia. As part of their colonization of the Marianas, the Spanish destroyed many of these canoes and prevented CHamorus from passing on the knowledge of how to carve and navigate them.

By the start of the 20th century, the only canoe that CHamorus were still carving was the galaide, which is used for fishing within the reef and was normally used without a la’yak or sail.

As of today, CHamorus have sought to reconnect with their canoe culture by learning from navigators from other islands in Micronesia such as Chuuk and Yap. There are now more than half a dozen groups in the Marianas who are carving canoes and teaching the art of navigation.

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Chewing on Static

Chewing on Static https://www.guammuseumfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Chewing-on-Static-INSTAGRAM_4K_H265.mov The next exhibit opening October 24, 2026 at the Guam Museum Cafe Gallery. In her first solo show, Julia Birn presents

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