Chamorro historian, experimental archaeologist, and public lecturer Noel Noah Borja Quitugua conducts a class on Chamorro craftsmanship for teens and adults at Joeten-Kiyu Public Library.
(JKPL) — On Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library was abuzz with excitement as cultural enthusiasts, practitioners, and community members learned how to make traditional contemporary body ornament replication, miniature wood carving, and pyrography.
The four-hour cultural class featured visual artist, master artisan, local Chamorro historian, experimental archaeologist, and public lecturer Noel Noah Borja Quitugua, who taught about the importance of ancient Chamorro craftsmanship for teens and adults ages 16 years and older.
More than 26 participants gained knowledge on artifact replication such as traditional/contemporary jewelry making/body ornament, miniature wood carving, and pyrography.
Library Director Erlinda C. Naputi shared, “I would like to thank the Northern Marianas Humanities Council for the American Såtba – Ammalaw Program and the Institute of Museum and Library Service for providing the necessary funding for this cultural class. I would also like to thank Speaker of the House Edmund Villagomez, Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation Chairman John Paul Sablan, Reps. Ralph Yumul, Jonathan Attao, and Vincent Aldan for donating water for the participants here today. When an opportunity presented itself to have instructor Noel Quitugua conduct a cultural class at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, it was truly an honor to share his wealth of historical and cultural knowledge about the CNMI to our patrons. Thank you Senot Noel Quitugua for masterfully sharing your knowledge to perpetuate our indigenous culture at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library.”
The class was held in the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library’s video tele-conference room from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The room was set up with the theme of traditional indigenous artistic crafts with artifacts on display from the Pacific Collection and Quitugua’s personal collection. Posters displaying pictures of Quitugua’s traditional/contemporary jewelry making/body ornament and miniature wood carvings and pyrography were prominently displayed throughout the room. More notable displays were the traditional crafts replicated by Quitugua of the following:
• An “uritao” stick or “tunas,” which is an ancient Chamorro tradition for young bachelor men;
• A “belembaotuyan,” which is a musical instrument introduced by the Spaniards during the Spanish Administration period in the Marianas. The belembaotuyan consists of a long flat stick with one string that is almost equal to the length of the stick with a resonating gourd. The string is attached to each end of the long board. Soft wire or sturdy string is used to hold the gourd in place as well as divide the sound of the string into high and low. The gourd is positioned where the sound divides near the center. Moon shaped seashells are used at each end of the instrument to help give the string a clearer sound.
• Two “kulo’s” or triton shell horns. The “kulo” was used by ancient Chamorros to make announcements while traveling at sea, for funerals, and as a warning signal for battle.
• A “broka,” also known as a drill tool used by the ancient Chamorros;
• An “adze” which was used as an ancient Chamorro carving tool used for shaping latte stones, carving canoes, and wooden homes.
Besides the traditional tools, Quitugua also displayed modern tools for wood carving and shell ornaments during the class.
Technical Services Librarian Beth Demapan shared housekeeping rules and circulated an agenda for the class. The class then opened with a traditional kulo’ announcement, which was sounded by JKPL’s Pacific Room Supervisor Ray Jr. Deleon Guerrero.
Quitgua then recited a Chamorro chant. After the chant, JKPL’s Administrative Officer III Vincent Sablan read a brief introduction of Quitugua’s career and experiences with the Chamorro culture, practices, and education. After the introduction, Quitugua shared his background in Chamorro studies, traditional cultural practices, his time working as an educator for the CNMI Public School System, and his current work as an art teacher in the state of Washington.
Quitugua explained the different tools and techniques he used for his traditional/contemporary jewelry making/body ornament art pieces. He further explained the safety rules of using the tools and techniques. He shared where to look for specific sea shells and such in the Mariana Islands. He shared the methods and techniques which he used for specific art pieces. Quitugua then started demonstrating and also teaching hands-on steps and techniques with the participants, who were intrigued and asked further questions about the art of making jewelry and body ornaments.
After the traditional/contemporary jewelry making/body ornament demonstration was presented, Quitugua moved onto the next session which involved miniature wood carvings and pyrography. He started explaining the types of tools used for pyrography. Pyrography is the free handed art of decorating wood or other materials with burn marks resulting from the controlled application of a heated object such as a poker. He then moved onto demonstrating on pieces of plywood cut out pieces. He then had the participants join in with the pyrography hands on demonstration outside of the JKPL’s VTC room.
After the pyrography session was completed, he moved onto the last session which involved miniature wood carving. He explained and demonstrated the tools such as the adze, which is an ancient Chamorro carving tool, and the techniques to carve with the tools. He had the participants join in and carve pieces of wooden branches he collected.
The participants were engaged in all the sessions and enjoyed the class thoroughly. They were taught a brief history of the ancient Chamorros, their way of life, the tools and necessities they used during their time, and how it is important in today’s indigenous society. Along with today’s modern tools and methods combined with traditional craft making, the participants gained further knowledge and appreciation of the Chamorro culture.
Participants gave the following class reviews:
• “Very informative! He is an artist!”
• “Great presentation.”
• “Great presentation! Looking forward to learning more!”
• “Very educational and informative; loved burning the wood. Looking forward to more future classes!”
• “Informative and educational. I loved the presentation.”
• “I loved this class!”
• “Thank you for this class!”
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JKPL’s hours of operation are as follows: Open Tuesday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4: p.m. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and holidays.
