How CHamoru's Use Wooden Boats, Proas
The CHamoru proa is a swift and durable outrigger boat that has been central to life in the Northern Mariana Islands for over 3,500 years. These boats were used for transportation, trade, fishing, and even cultural ceremonies. Here's what makes them special:
- Speed and Design: Proas could reach up to 20 mph, with a unique asymmetrical hull and triangular sail for agility.
- Navigation Skills: CHamoru navigators relied on natural signs like stars, waves, and bird movements to cross vast ocean distances.
- Community Role: Proas supported trade, food supply, and social connections, while also serving as a symbol of CHamoru identity.
- Craftsmanship: Built from breadfruit wood, coconut fiber rope, and pandanus leaf sails, these boats were engineered for durability and performance.
Modern Revival
Efforts like 500 Sails are bringing back proa-building and navigation skills, ensuring this heritage lives on through education, replicas, and community programs.
CHamoru proas are more than boats - they represent a rich maritime legacy that connects the past to the present.
History of CHamoru Proas
The CHamoru proa has a legacy stretching back over 3,500 years. These ingenious vessels carried the first settlers to the Mariana Islands between 1500 and 1400 BCE, embarking from the Philippines on an extraordinary journey across the Pacific Ocean. This monumental voyage demanded advanced boat-building techniques, expert craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of navigation.
How Proa Design Started
The CHamoru proa was masterfully designed for long-distance travel across the Pacific. Its symmetrical ends allowed it to change direction without turning completely around, making it highly efficient in varying wind conditions.
One of its standout features was the outrigger float, which was always positioned on the windward side. This, combined with a single triangular sail, provided stability and speed. The main hull had a unique asymmetrical shape: the leeward side was flatter and straighter, while the windward side was more rounded. CHamoru craftsmen lashed the components together with precision, waterproofed the seams, and painted the canoes in red, black, and white - not just for aesthetics but also for protection against the elements. While the largest recorded proa was an impressive 52 feet long, most everyday vessels ranged between 26 and 28 feet.
European explorers marveled at these boats. Antonio Pigafetta, who accompanied Magellan in 1521, described them with awe:
"...their outrigger boats passed by our ship very quickly even though we were under full sail...they are like dolphins bounding from wave to wave."
In 1686, William Dampier echoed this admiration, stating:
"The natives are very ingenious beyond any people in making boats...and therein they take great delight...I do believe they sail the best of any boats in the world."
How CHamoru People Navigated
CHamoru navigators showcased extraordinary skills, crossing vast stretches of open ocean without modern tools. Their navigation relied on observing and memorizing natural signs. They used a combination of environmental cues - like the positions of the sun and stars, wind patterns, cloud formations, ocean swells, bird flight paths, and even glowing bioluminescence - to find their way . By memorizing the rising and setting points of stars, they could maintain direction over long distances. They also read wave patterns caused by distant islands and utilized the "island block" technique, which involved interpreting bird movements and the reflection of land on clouds.
One remarkable example of traditional navigation occurred in 1969 when master navigator Hipour from Puluwat joined researcher David Henry Lewis on a journey from Chuuk to Saipan and back. Relying solely on traditional methods, they successfully navigated about 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) each way.
These techniques not only ensured safe travel but also reinforced the community’s connection to the sea and their reliance on proas for survival.
Meaning and Community Role
Proas were more than just a means of transportation - they were a cornerstone of CHamoru life. These versatile vessels supported trade, warfare, social interactions, and leisure activities among the Mariana Islands. They were also essential for deep-sea fishing, a critical source of food for island communities.
Maritime skills were deeply woven into CHamoru culture. Different types of canoes served various purposes, from carrying over 100 people on significant expeditions to serving as dependable fishing boats. Children began learning to sail as young as age 4, becoming skilled sailors by their teenage years. Communities even built special canoe houses to protect these prized vessels from the elements.
Proas also played a role in celebrations and racing. As R. M. Munroe vividly described:
"Sailing is no name for it – flying is better. Out into the bay she skipped, boys yelling with delight on the uplifted outrigger, spray from the lee bow and steering oar riven into vapor by the speed blowing to leeward."
These boats were not just tools; they were a source of pride, joy, and cultural identity for the CHamoru people.
Building a CHamoru Proa: How It's Made
Crafting a CHamoru proa was no small feat - it demanded exceptional skill and an eye for detail. Every material and technique was carefully chosen to ensure the vessel could thrive in the challenging conditions of the Pacific Ocean.
Choosing Materials
CHamoru boat builders were meticulous when selecting materials, prioritizing qualities that would enhance the proa's performance at sea.
The main hull was often carved from breadfruit trees, known locally as dokdok or lemai. This wood was prized for being both strong and relatively lightweight, making it perfect for the core structure of the proa. Another popular choice was Palo Maria (Calophyllum brasiliense), a wood renowned for its toughness and longevity.
For the sail, builders turned to pandanus leaves (akgak). These leaves were woven into mats that could catch the wind effectively while remaining flexible enough to adjust to shifting conditions. This adaptability was key to the proa's speed and maneuverability.
Coconut fiber sennit, a type of rope made from husks, played a crucial role in holding the canoe together. Unlike rigid fastenings, this rope allowed the joints to flex naturally with the boat's movement, adding both strength and resilience.
To seal the seams and make the boat watertight, craftsmen used a paste made from lime and coconut oil. This mixture filled gaps and protected against leaks. Finally, the proa's exterior was painted with red ochre, which not only added a layer of weatherproofing but also gave the vessel a striking appearance.
Assembly and Engineering
Once the materials were gathered, the real artistry began. CHamoru builders used a lashed-plank construction method to assemble the proa. Instead of nails or screws, they relied on coconut fiber rope to bind the hull pieces together. This method wasn't just practical - it was essential. The flexible lashings allowed the boat to move with the waves, reducing stress on the structure and preventing damage.
Mario Reyes Borja, a modern CHamoru boat builder, highlighted the importance of this technique:
"We want to look at every little component and how things were jointed; we want to explore that because all these little bits of data that are important to the survivability of the construction of the canoe are missing."
The hull itself featured an asymmetrical design. The leeward side (facing away from the wind) was flatter and more vertical, while the windward side was rounded and fuller. This clever design minimized drag from the outrigger and helped keep the boat stable and on course.
Once the hull was assembled and lashed, the seams were sealed with the lime and coconut oil paste to ensure the vessel was watertight - an absolute must for long journeys across the open ocean.
The final touch was the proa's iconic crab claw sail. Made from the woven pandanus mats, this triangular sail could be repositioned quickly to adapt to changing winds, a feature that made the proa incredibly agile.
In 2011, a group of CHamoru craftsmen, including Mario Reyes Borja, brought these ancient techniques to life by constructing a 47-foot single-hull, single-outrigger CHamoru sakman named "CHe'lu." Carved from a California redwood tree, this modern proa sailed into Hagåtña marina in 2016 to open the 12th Festival of Pacific Arts, proving that these time-honored methods are as effective today as they were centuries ago.
How CHamoru People Used Proas
CHamoru proas were an essential part of daily life on the islands. These sleek, swift canoes weren’t just tools for survival - they were lifelines. They connected communities, provided food, and carried traditions across generations.
Island Trade and Travel
Proas served as the main mode of transportation between the islands of the Marianas, playing a central role in CHamoru society.
Their versatility made them ideal for a variety of activities, from trade to cultural exchanges. Today, their legacy inspires community gatherings and inter-island projects. CHamoru children began learning to sail at a young age, and by their late teens, they were skilled enough to navigate vast stretches of open ocean on their own.
Historical records highlight the impressive speed of these vessels. Proas could reach up to 20 miles per hour, with one documented journey to Manila averaging 12.5 knots over four days. This speed and agility amazed European explorers. English explorer William Dampier once said:
"One cannot stop talking about their great velocity, craftsmanship and lightness, because in the whole universe I do not believe there is a thing equal to them in nimbleness and swiftness."
Another explorer, Woodes Rogers, shared his astonishment:
"The Governor presented us with one of their flying prows, which I shall describe here because of the oddness of it. The Spaniards told me it would run twenty leagues per hour, which I think too large; but by what I saw they may run twenty miles or more in the time, for when they viewed our ships, they passed by us like a bird flying."
Even during the Spanish colonial period, Caroline Islanders continued to trade with CHamoru communities using these traditional vessels.
Proas weren’t just practical - they were deeply tied to the identity and traditions of the CHamoru people, seamlessly blending utility with cultural significance.
Fishing and Food
Proas weren’t just for travel and trade; they were vital for feeding the CHamoru people. The surrounding ocean offered a rich bounty, but harvesting it required vessels that could handle both stability and speed.
CHamoru fishermen relied on proas for deep-sea fishing, particularly when trolling for large fish like billfish. The outrigger design provided incredible stability in rough waters, allowing fishermen to focus on their catch. The deep waters around the islands - some plunging to depths of 4,920 feet (1,500 meters) - attracted a variety of large fish, ensuring a steady protein supply for the community.
This connection to the sea runs deep in CHamoru history. As researchers have pointed out:
"Maritime activities, particularly fishing and canoeing, have been a part of the daily lives of Chamorro people from 4,000 BP to the present, despite restrictions placed on these activities by four colonial powers."
For over 4,000 years, fishing has been more than a means of survival - it’s been a cornerstone of CHamoru culture. Proas made it possible to sustain this tradition, ensuring the community’s well-being and connection to the ocean.
Ceremonies and Storytelling
Beyond their practical uses, proas held a special place in CHamoru heritage. They weren’t just tools; they were symbols of identity, celebrated in ceremonies and immortalized in stories. Oral traditions, the primary way knowledge was passed down, often featured proas.
Many CHamoru myths and legends revolve around the ocean and seafaring. These stories celebrated the skills and bravery of their ancestors, who were master navigators.
For example, the Legend of Chief Gadao tells of extraordinary feats, including how the chief swam around the island fifty times. Storytellers, highly respected in CHamoru society, used such tales to educate and entertain. They preserved not only the technical knowledge of building and navigating proas but also the values and identity tied to these vessels.
These stories often described how early CHamoru people built fast-sailing outrigger canoes and navigated using the stars, ocean currents, and natural signs. By passing this knowledge through storytelling, the CHamoru kept their maritime traditions alive, even during times of colonial oppression.
Francisco Alvo, an early chronicler, captured the awe-inspiring image of proas in motion:
"...many small sails approached the ship sailing so swiftly they appeared to be flying."
This vision of "flying proas" became a lasting symbol of CHamoru skill, freedom, and connection to the sea.
Family Activities to Learn About CHamoru Proas
Exploring CHamoru proas can be an engaging, hands-on experience for the entire family. These activities not only highlight the rich history and craftsmanship of these traditional vessels but also bring ancient skills to life in a fun, modern way.
Build Your Own Model Proa
You can create a model proa using simple household items like styrofoam trays, plastic containers, cardboard, paper, straws, toothpicks, craft glue, clear tape, and markers. Start by sketching your design and deciding on the size of your proa. For the hull, cut a styrofoam tray lengthwise or flip a small plastic container upside down. To mimic the outrigger that gives CHamoru proas their stability, attach a smaller piece of styrofoam or cardboard parallel to the hull using toothpicks or straws as connecting arms.
Next, make a triangular sail from paper or lightweight plastic and attach it to a mast made from a straw or toothpick. Add your own artistic touch by decorating the model with traditional CHamoru patterns.
Once your proa is complete, test it in a bathtub or large bowl. Experiment with weight distribution to ensure it balances well. This activity is a great way for kids to grasp basic principles of stability and buoyancy while appreciating the craftsmanship that has defined CHamoru proas for centuries.
Stories of Navigation
Dive into CHamoru maritime traditions by watching Sakman: The Legend of the Flying Canoe. Afterward, gather the family for a storytelling session where everyone can share tales of ocean adventures or reflect on the heritage of skilled CHamoru navigators. These stories complement the techniques and traditions discussed earlier, making the cultural legacy feel alive and personal.
Master Canoe Builder Mario Borja beautifully captures this connection:
"From our collective knowledge, our skills of our hands, and our passion of heart came our ancient vessel, the Sakman"
Similarly, Master Canoe Builder and Navigator Antonio Piailug emphasizes the importance of cultural identity:
"The canoe is our culture. If we know our culture, we have our identity. If we don't have our culture, we lost our identity"
By sharing these stories, families can deepen their understanding of the CHamoru legacy and its enduring significance.
Learn CHamoru Words Together
While building your model or exchanging navigation stories, incorporate CHamoru language to strengthen the cultural connection. Start with basic nautical terms tied to proa traditions. For instance, "proa" has roots in Portuguese and Malayan, while "Sakman" refers to the traditional CHamoru voyaging canoe, carrying profound cultural meaning.
Make learning fun by creating vocabulary games centered on CHamoru words related to the ocean, navigation, and boat building. Since the CHamoru language was primarily oral until European contact, practicing pronunciation together honors its rich oral tradition. Resources like Everyday Chamorro: Chamorro Language Phrases for Beginners or LearningCHamoru.com can provide a foundation for learning greetings and expressions.
Integrate these new words into your storytelling and model-building activities to naturally weave language learning into your family's exploration of CHamoru heritage. This approach makes the experience both educational and meaningful.
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Modern Efforts to Preserve CHamoru Proas
The revival of CHamoru proa building is gaining momentum, thanks to the dedication of organizations and individuals committed to preserving these maritime traditions for future generations.
Proa Replicas and Reconstruction Projects
One of the leading forces in this revival is 500 Sails, a nonprofit organization based in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Their mission revolves around reviving and preserving the maritime traditions of the Mariana Islands through community-focused programs that celebrate canoe culture and its values.
One of their standout projects involves reconstructing replicas of the historic "Anson" proa. This canoe gained its name from an encounter in 1742 between British Commodore Sir George Anson and a CHamoru sakman canoe near Guam. The detailed scale drawings created by Lt. Peircy Brett, one of Anson's officers, have become the foundation for these modern reconstructions.
Through meticulous research and hands-on experimentation, 500 Sails has uncovered valuable insights into traditional proa designs. For example, their replicas have demonstrated excellent performance with a vertical mast - challenging some contemporary interpretations. They also discovered that the mast step could serve as a pivot point, leading to the creation of rotational mast steps that allow for mast adjustments in their reconstructed canoes.
These efforts are bolstered by partnerships with organizations like the CNMI Office of Indigenous Affairs and IT&E, highlighting the strong community and institutional support for preserving CHamoru maritime heritage. Beyond building canoes, these projects naturally extend into education, ensuring that the knowledge and skills tied to these vessels are passed down.
Educational Programs and Community Events
The resurgence of CHamoru proas is about more than just rebuilding boats - it’s about creating a lasting legacy. Educational programs are at the heart of this effort, inspiring younger CHamorus to embrace traditional canoe building and navigation while connecting ancient practices to modern life.
One key initiative is the Lalayak Program, which integrates traditional values into everyday life. Participants learn essential skills like teamwork, leadership, cultural pride, problem-solving, and environmental awareness - all through the lens of CHamoru seafaring. These lessons not only preserve maritime traditions but also foster personal growth and resilience.
To prepare participants for programs like Lalayak, 500 Sails offers free swim lessons, ensuring individuals can safely engage with traditional watercraft. This practical step echoes the early experiences of ancient CHamoru children, who were comfortable in the water from a young age.
Cultural exchanges also play a vital role in these educational efforts. For instance, individuals have traveled to Polowat Atoll to learn from traditional navigators who still practice ancient techniques. In turn, Polowatan seafarers have visited Guam to share their expertise, creating a vibrant exchange of knowledge that strengthens bonds across Pacific Island communities.
These community programs honor the CHamoru approach to maritime education, where children began learning to sail as early as age 4 or 5. By their teenage years, they were skilled enough to sail independently, a tradition that modern efforts aim to rekindle.
At the heart of these initiatives is a vision of cultural continuity. As 500 Sails puts it:
"a healthy thriving native community that has successfully integrated traditional cultural values into modern life"
This vision underscores how CHamoru seafaring is both a source of cultural pride and a model for sustainability, offering inspiration for today while preserving a vital part of Pacific Islander identity.
Conclusion: Keeping the Practice Alive
The CHamoru proa represents much more than an ancient seafaring vessel - it’s a bridge connecting over 4,000 years of Pacific heritage to today’s CHamoru families. Once capable of reaching speeds of 20 mph and carrying as many as 100 passengers, this remarkable tradition nearly vanished during the colonial era of the 1900s. Thankfully, its revival now serves as a way to reconnect with CHamoru roots and celebrate a rich maritime legacy.
"This isn't just an old skill; it's a living legacy that strengthens our cultural identity and teaches us profound respect for the ocean." - 500 Sails
Passing down proa traditions isn’t just about preserving history - it’s about fostering values like teamwork, respect for the environment, and cultural pride. Whether it’s building model proas, recounting navigation stories, or learning CHamoru nautical terms like sakman (the largest type of proa), these activities ensure the legacy remains vibrant.
Community efforts play a key role in keeping this tradition alive. Organizations like 500 Sails collaborate with Northern Marianas College to offer free swimming lessons and maritime training. Cultural events, hands-on workshops, and festivals provide families with opportunities to experience CHamoru seafaring traditions up close.
Every story shared, every model proa built, and every CHamoru word spoken helps preserve this invaluable heritage. With the commitment of families and communities, the proa tradition can continue to thrive for generations to come.
FAQs
How is the 500 Sails initiative helping to bring back the tradition of CHamoru proa-building?
The 500 Sails Initiative: Reviving CHamoru Maritime Heritage
The 500 Sails initiative is breathing new life into the CHamoru tradition of crafting and navigating proas - elegant, swift wooden boats that have long been a cornerstone of the culture's maritime history. By setting an ambitious goal to construct 500 traditional CHamoru and Carolinian proas, this project is not just about building boats; it's about reconnecting the community with their ancestral seafaring legacy and nurturing a deep sense of cultural pride.
But the initiative doesn't stop at boatbuilding. 500 Sails is also dedicated to teaching traditional navigation methods and sharing the rich history tied to these vessels. This ensures that the skills and stories of CHamoru seafarers are carried forward, preserving a vital chapter of their heritage. Through this effort, the community is rediscovering the craftsmanship and resourcefulness of their ancestors while fostering a renewed respect for their cultural roots.
What materials and methods did the CHamoru people use to build their traditional proas, and why were these choices important?
The CHamoru people crafted their traditional proas, or flying proas, using natural resources found on their islands, like wood from breadfruit and coconut trees. The hull was carefully carved from a single log, resulting in a sleek and narrow canoe, which was stabilized with an outrigger. These boats were also equipped with a unique triangular sail, known as a crab claw sail, designed for impressive speed and maneuverability across the open ocean.
The choice of materials and design techniques was perfectly suited to the Pacific's demanding waters. Beyond being practical vessels for travel and trade, proas stand as a testament to CHamoru skill, creativity, and their strong bond with the sea. They reflect a proud maritime tradition that continues to inspire and honor their heritage today.
How did CHamoru navigators travel long distances across the ocean without modern tools?
CHamoru Traditional Wayfinding
CHamoru navigators possessed an incredible ability to traverse vast ocean distances using traditional wayfinding techniques. They depended on natural signs like the stars, the rhythm of ocean swells, wind directions, and even the flight patterns of birds to steer their voyages. Mastering these skills demanded a profound understanding of the environment and years of dedicated practice.
One standout method they used was etak. This technique involved mentally breaking their journey into segments and using reference points, such as distant islands, to stay on course - even when those islands were beyond the horizon. This ancient wisdom was handed down through generations, ensuring the CHamoru people’s rich legacy of seafaring remained alive.