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
I just returned from a fun art exhibit opening in Seoul, Korea. Guam Eco Wave exhibit was sponsored by the Guam Visitors Bureau and featured Korean artists who came to Guam and beautified Inalahan Pools Park with their paintings. I had the pleasure of working with them in my home village of Inalahan and exhibiting with them in 3 beautiful Lotte galleries over the coming 3 months! What a beautiful group of creative people! I think you will agree after seeing the sample pieces in this exhibit. Artist Nanan showed her sensitivity, knowledge, and humor in her collages of US President Trump and North Korea President Kim Jong Un.
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