The     
Ancient Chamori Royal Home

Guma'Uritao

The Taotaomo'nas of Guahan build massive superstructures called:
Guma'Uritao, which were the official and ceremonial homes of the
Maga'Saina of the island. These homes were built on huge latte stone
pillars as column foundations. The latte stone pillars numbered from
12 to 20 with a height of around 16 to 20 feet. The typical area size of
these homes ranged from 40-ft wide x 80-ft long.

The Taotao Tano' from each and every songsong would send representatives,
builders, wood carvers, rope makers, artists and helpers, who would
spend months, even years working on the building of the Guma'Uritao.

The Taotaomo'nas had strong passions for regal circumstance and
ceremony and the dedication of the Guma'Uritao brought the entire
clans together to celebrate their accomplishments.

Regina Borja
&
Norbert Perez

"Inadingani"

Guma'Uritao Dedication Ceremony
Scenes & Scripts
Tinige'  Norbert Perez

The dedication ceremony for the Guma'Uritao begins with the arrival of the Maga'Saina. He comes riding
in a traditional påla, carried by the Royal Matuas. As he steps off the Påla, he kneels down and kisses the
soil leading to the Guma' Uritao. He is greeted by the Royal Palåo'an and the Royal Låhi.
They bowed with reverence and honor.

Royal Palåo'an:
Maga'Saina, Maga'Saina, Maga'Saina...Minagof Taotao ni' finatto-mu.
Maga'Saina:
Minagof Taotao Tano' yan lokkue' minagof-hu.
Royal Låhi:
Minagof-måmi magåhet sa' un pacha ham ni' aniti-mu.
Maga'Saina:
Hågu Hagå-hu yan Hågu Lahi-hu
The Royal Couple:
Si Yu'os Saina Ma'åse'

At this time, the Maga'Saina, signals the famagu'on to bring the basket of flowers. He digs into the basket
and grabs a hand full of flower petals. He anoints the Royal Couple and says...
Ginen i Saina, Para i Saina yan Put i Saina na mafañågu hamyu.
Ginen i Saina, Para i Saina yan Put i Saina na Humacha'gua hamyu.
Ginen i Saina, Para i Saina yan Put i Saina na mahatsåyi hamyu nu esti na Guma'Uritao.
Biba Taotao Tano'

Royal Couple:
Hacha'Mori

The Maga'Saina bows to the Royal Couple and they return the honor.
The Maga'Saina turns and begins his blessing of the home.
He digs into the basket of flowers for more petals.
He starts at the front door and goes around the outside perimeter.
As he anoints the surrounding structure, he continues the sacred chant.
The Royal Couple, the Royal Matuas and the Famagu'on follow his tracks.

Ginen i Saina, Para i Saina yan Put i Saina na mafañågu hamyu.
Ginen i Saina, Para i Saina yan Put i Saina na Humacha'gua hamyu.
Ginen i Saina, Para i Saina yan Put i Saina na mahatsåyi hamyu nu esti na Guma'Uritao.
Biba Taotao Tano'

The Royal Couple, The Royal Matuas and the Famagu'on:
Hacha'Mori

Upon completing the perimeter of the home, the Maga'Saina is taken up into the home.
Once inside, he kneels down and kisses the floor structure.
He begins a new chant....
Guma'Uritao, Guma'Uritao, Guma'Uritao
Guma' Taotao Tano'
Guma'Uritao, Guma'Uritao, Guma'Uritao
Guma' Hacha'Mori

Ginen i Saina, Para i Saina yan Put i Saina na mafañågu hamyu.
Ginen i Saina, Para i Saina yan Put i Saina na Humacha'gua Hamyu.
Ginen i Saina, Para i Saina yan Put i Saina na mahatsåyi hamyu nu esti na Guma'Uritao.
Biba Taotao Tano'

The Royal Couple, The Royal Matuas and the Famgu'on:
Hacha'Mori

The Maga'Saina is escorted back down from the home. He comes to the most important part of the
house....the påpa'såtgi. It is here that the Taotaomo'nas would bury their women and
children so this is a very sacred place.

The Maga'Saina calls everyone to assemble.
He begins by reciting the ancient taboos associated with the home.
He chants and prays.
Then he goes into a spiritual meditation with chants.
To this...the people join in.
This can take as long as a few minutes to several hours.

Ginen i Saina, Para i Saina yan Put i Saina Hu.
Ginen i Saina, Para i Saina yan Put i Saina Hu.
Ginen i Saina, Para i Saina yan Put i Saina Hu.

The Taotao Tano of the songsong who are assembled outside recite a special chant.

Oh Sainan-Måmi
Oh Sainan-Måmi
In guaiya håo, In guaiya håo
Oh Nanan-måmi
Oh Nanan-måmi
In guaiya håo, In guaiya håo

The ceremony continues even while the Maga'Saina is exiting.
Again, he is loaded onto the Påla and carried away.
He continues his prayers and chants.
Maga'Saina:
Atan hulo' i puti'on siha. Atan hulo' i pilan. Atan hulo' i langhet.
Atan huyong i tasi. Atan hålom i tano'. Atan i ga'ga' siha. Atan i tinanom siha.

Once the Maga'Saina has left the area, the tour and festivities begins.
The people of the songsong now form in a file leading into the home.
The Royal Palåo'an is seated at the center of the home.
The Royal Låhi stands behind her to signify his place in the home.
As the people enter, they are led to the Royal Couple where they present their gifts.
They are greeted by the Royal Couple in a cordial and friendly way.
This is the only time that such openness and closeness is ever allowed.

Upon leaving the home, the people are led to the back area of the home where
they can mingle and eat and be entertained.

Chant....Guma'Uritao.
Guma'Uritao, Guma'Uritao, Guma'Uritao
Guma'-måmi, Guma'-måmi
Ginen i Saina gi langhet
Guma'Uritao, Guma'Uritao, Guma'Uritao
Guma'-Måmi, Guma'-måmi
Ha nå'i ham para mås fiet

Guma'Uritao, Guma'Uritao, Guma'Uritao
Guma'-måmi, Guma'-måmi
Sagan Manmåtai, Sagan Manlåla''la'
Guma'Uritao, Guma'Uritao, Guma'Uritao
Guma'-måmi, Guma'måmi
Tinika' Påkyu sen taya'

Chant...Hami Ni Man Taotao Tano'
Momongmong, Momongmong, Momongmong
Hami Ni' Man Taotao Tano'
Momongmong, Momongmong, Momongmong
Hami Ni' Man Chamori
Momongmong, Momongmong, Momongmong
Pipitas i Tano' yan pipitas i tasi
Momongmong, Momongmong, Momongmong
Hami Ni' Man Taotao Tano'
Momongmong, Momongmong, Momongmong
Hami Ni' Man Chamori
Momongmong, Momongmong, Momongmong
Sinilu i Saina yan guinifi
Momongmong, Momongmong, Momongmong