Lecture 6: Politics and Power in Ancient Society Flashcards
What is the Eurocentric view of Chamorro culture’s politics?
Eurocentric: Garcia, “They are a people … without king, without law, and without any kind of civil policy.”
(Garcia, 172)
What is the Androcentric view of Chamorro culture?
Androcentric: maga’lahe & maga’haga
What is politics?
the activities associated with the organization and governance of an area
What is centralized government?
One person has power
What is decentralized government?
No one has power over other (ex. clans)
What alliance system does Chamorros have?
A clan alliance system
Are the ancient Chamorro society a decentralized government?
yes
What kind of power system did the Chamorros have?
Matrilineage = achafñak
- Respect for both males and females
A matrilineal (mother’s line) system of organization
- of or based on kinship with the mother or the female line
- Håga: daughter
- Håga’: blood
Is Matrilineage a matriarchy (ruled by women)?
NO
Did eurocentric people believe that matrilineage was matriarchy?
Yes
What are some evidence of Matrilineage (achafñak)
Folklore:
Males
–Puntan
–Gadao
Female
–Fu’una
–Sirena
–“The Fish that Ate Guam”
What is a Guma’ulitao (Guma’uritao)
Bachelor House
- Place of learning for unmarried males
- Social center
(A place where male warriors stay and be raised)
What is the castes system of the Chamorros?
Top
Chamori/Matao = Ma’gas Taotao
Bottom
Mangachang = Man + Kachang (colorless, lackluster)
Can you go up the caste system of the chamorros?
No, you can only go down
What are the classes within the Chamori caste?
Chamorri/ Matao
Top
Manamko:
- Maga’lahi
- Maga’haga
Bottom:
Atchaot (artisan)
