As the Principal Investigator of the Chamorro Roots Genealogy Project™ it is frustrating to review early Chamorro history. In most literature, there are barely any Chamorro names listed. Perhaps, one may find a paragraph or two, but then that’s it! Other Chamorro historians have written about this shortfall and dilemma in history, but I think it’s important to constantly remind ourselves of this deficiency so that we can ensure that when we write about our history today, we do not overlook it ever again.
More so frustrating is the rarity of identifying Chamorro women in early history and transcripts. When I talk about early Chamorro history, I am referring to the period from the point of Magellan’s 1521 arrival in the Mariana Islands through the mid-1700’s and perhaps into the 1800's.
This period also was the recorded time point of outside contact, conquest, conversion and colonialism of the Mariana Islands. In addition, it is the impetus for the Chamorro culture transitioning from a matrilineal to patrilineal society.
This is where, at least it seems to me, Chamorro women become shadows in Chamorro history. In other words, they existed, had a role, but were barely identified in historical recordings. So here are a couple of examples of two Chamorro women who are depicted as shadows in early Chamorro history.
Sosanbra, Sunama’s wife. One of the first recordings of a Chamorro was by Fray Juan Pobre. Pobre recorded and described Sunama, his wife Sosanbra, their eldest son Maripego and two daughters : Marifoquez and Mominasaria. This was one of the first recordings of Chamorro names, family, and women. After this recording, women’s names are barely disclosed.
Captain Masongsong’s mother-in-law. Masongsong was a Filipino soldier among the Spanish Army contingents. His mother-in-law is depicted in history as a very brave Chamorro woman. She was a woman that attempted to rally the Filipino soldiers against the Spaniards and take over. Instead, Masongsong did not entertain her and turned her in to the Spanish authorities. Who was this brave Chamorro woman that defied Spanish authorities? Who was Masongsong’s wife?
Of recent, I have been able to at least identify one of Masongsong’s sister-in-laws: Maria Taytifi. It feels so strange right now to be able to name Maria Taytifi, yet unable to identify her sister, Masongsong’s wife and her mother, Masongsong's mother-in-law. On the other hand, it feels like a huge step forward for me to at least identify one of the family members of Chamorro descent.
Our Chamorro women should not be or remain in the shadows of Chamorro history. We must continue to dig deep in early history, identify them and shed light upon their identity and stories. After all, Chamorro women had a key role in the perpetuation of our identity, language, culture and retention as a distinct group of people despite interracial marriages.
Magahet, biba i famalao'an Chamorro!
