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Enrique Reyes Benavente: Chamorro Sculpture
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- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
In the September 1965 edition of the Pacific Profile, the late Senator, Historian and Publisher Antonio “Tony” Manibusan Palomo featured the late Enrique Reyes Benavente as a Chamorro sculpture. In this particular photo, Benavente was in the process of sculpting a woman’s head out of a coconut.
During the interview Benavente shared his aspirations, which I felt were quite spot on and the simple basis for how our ancestors were able to self-sustain and thrive in the Mariana Islands for thousands of years:
“We are not living the best way if we do not use what we have around us. God gave us the wood I see; also the clay, stone, and all the growing things. We must look, and find, and think. I think about how to make this into something beautiful. Then at night when I can’t sleep I think again of what to make tomorrow. Sometimes I dream about it. We must use the things around us. You see? That is the way.”
The article goes on to state that Benavente was originally from Agana, but later moved to Inarajan after marrying Francisca Duenas in 1929.
Fino Håya – Låguas (Mariana Islands, Islas Marianas)
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- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
Kao un tungo? (Did you know?)...The native term for the Mariana Islands is Låguas.
Sinangan as Jose Lizama: Kiroga yan Talage
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- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
This digital extract is from the initial collection of tales by Gertrude (aka Trudis Alemån) Hornbostel and published in Laura Thompson’s 1932 “Archaeology of the Mariana Islands,” Bishop Museum, Bulletin 100.
This story was told to Trudis by Jose Lizama from Hagat sometime in the 1920s. Although, Lizama was listed as being 109 years old, I am uncertain if this was his age at the time of the recording (1920s) or the date of publication (1932).
In the 1920 Census, there is, however, a Jose S.N. Lizama, residing on Pareno Street, Agat, a widower, age 94. Therefore, I am also not sure if this is the same Lizama that conveyed this story to Trudis, but does seem likely.
Ancient Chamorros Fishing from their Proas…
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- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
Father Peter Coomans was one of the very few that had many positive observations of the indigenous people of the Mariana Islands that was recorded in history. Coomans was amazed at the sight of a fleet of Chamorro people fishing from their proas.
I would love to see someone’s artistic rendition of Father Cooman’s description of what he saw of this fleet of 30 sails and people fishing at night with torches raised at the bow of each proa.
...Happy Thanksgiving...
Vietnam: 19 December 1970
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- Written by: Bernard Punzalan
This is Department of Defense photo of the late Guam Governor Carlos G. Camacho, being assisted by his nephew John Q. Salas, passing out Christmas gifts. Also included in this photo on the far right receiving a gift is William J. Punzalan Gogue.
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