Ancient Chamorro village rediscovered and story goes viral. An ancient Chamorro village was rediscovered in Ritidian Point by University of Guam Archaeologist, Dr. Mike Carson. The lost Chamorro village, which contains about 10 latte sets and probably ancient burials, was first discovered in the 1920s.
An ancient Chamorro village was rediscovered and is making headlines after being featured on CNN. On December 17th, a piece about an ancient Chamorro village in Guam put together by Pacific News Center’s Assistant News Director, Clynt Ridgell, was featured on CNN.
Mr Clynt Ridgell visited the Ritidian Point, which is an unused military land located in the northernmost point of the island of Guam to film an ancient Chamorro village that was recently rediscovered.
According to Ridgell, the forgotten Chamorro village was rediscovered by University of Guam Archaeologist, Dr. Mike Carson.
Carson has stated that the site was previously found by Hans Hornbostel, who worked for the Bishop museum in Honolulu, Hawaii in the 1920s.
The site, which contains 8-10 latte sets was never mapped, recorded, or excavated, and was theretofore forgotten. Latte sets are comprised of latte stones, which are:
stone pillars of ancient houses notable for their two-piece construction. The supporting column (halagi is made from coral limestone) topped with a capstone (tasa made from natural, hemispherical coral heads collected from the reef). The “stone latte” is the signature of the Marianas Islands (Guam, Rota, Saipan, Tinian, Pagan) in that their massive size are found primarily in the Marianas.
The archaeologist claimed that ancient burials are sometimes found in and around latte sites. During the segment, Ridgell revealed that he believes that the studies on the ancient village will lead to new discoveries regarding ancient Chamorro life during the Latte Period.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Guam National Wildlife Refuge, which owns Ritidian Point, have asked the State Historical Preservation Office to include this site on the national register of historic places.
Once the State Historical Preservation Office approves the application, tourists and locals will be able to visit the ancient Chamorro village.
Ancient Chamorro village rediscovered opening a new page for fans of history and archeology.
