On November 21 I gave a talk for the MARC Seminar Series at the University of Guam. This talk was meant to encourage a continuing discussion of the crescent-shaped, carved body ornament called Sinahi by contemporary Chamorros. My interest in this object is due to the fact that it has become a major icon of Chamorro identity, yet its ancient origins and usage is a mystery. To summarize my talk: · The name Sinahi was given by contemporary Chamorros because it looks like a crescent moon. This is confusing because Sinahi actually means New Moon, meaning the dark moon. According to my sources, ancient Chamorro language described the waxing moon as Sinahi---( i.e One, Two) , using ancient terminology for the enlarging size of the crescent over the month’s cycle. Contemporaries shortened these terms to just Sinahi . In the northern Mariana Islands, it has been called Kalang , meaning pendant. · It was carved from the giant clam shell, a ver
This year of 2020, St. Joseph Church in Inalahan celebrates their 340th year since the founding of the church in 1680. To commemorate this event, artist Judy Flores created a painting for her parish of St. Joseph’s and produced a limited edition print to raise funds for the Jubilee celebration. The limited edition of 350 signed and numbered prints are now available at the St. Joseph’s Rectory Office for a donation of $100 each. Each print, measuring 37”x 17”, is accompanied by a signed and numbered Certificate of Authentication that tells the story of the parishioners featured in the print. Rectory Office hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9am to 12pm and 1 to 5pm. For more information or to reserve prints, call the Office at 828-8102. Brian Leon Guerrero is the first to receive his prints. He is flanked by office staff Annie Herron (L) and Father Joseph Anore (R). Submitted by Judy Flores 777-3488
Comments
Post a Comment