A woman buried in USA in the Latte Period era

The Latte Period, a significant and defining era in the Mariana Islands' precolonial history, lasted from approximately 800 AD to the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century. This period is characterized by the emergence of a unique architectural and cultural tradition among the indigenous Chamorro people, who are of Austronesian descent. The Latte Period is named after the distinctive latte stones, which are pillar-and-cap structures used in constructing raised buildings.

Cultural and Social Structure

1. Architecture: Latte stones, the hallmark of this period, were large stone pillars capped with hemispherical stones. These structures ranged from small to monumental in size and were used as the foundations for communal and residential buildings. The latte stones were typically made from limestone and basalt, reflecting significant skill in quarrying and stone crafting. Their arrangement offered practical benefits, such as protecting structures from flooding (common on islands), pests, and potential enemy attacks. The largest latte sets potentially supported communal structures or homes of high-ranking individuals, indicating a stratified society.

2. Society and Governance: The Chamorro society during the Latte Period was likely organized into complex, hierarchical structures with a clear division of roles and responsibilities. There were chiefly classes and commoners, with the former exerting power over land resources and societal functions. The matrilineal aspect of Chamorro culture meant that lineage and inheritance were traced through the mother’s side, which may have given women significant power in social and familial decisions.

3. Subsistence and Economy: The economy predominantly revolved around fishing, agriculture, and limited trade with neighboring islands. The Chamorros cultivated crops such as yams, taro, and breadfruit and practiced fishing using tools and techniques adapted to the diverse marine life surrounding the islands. There is evidence of inter-island trade networks that suggest the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies with other Austronesian cultures.

Spiritual and Ritual Life

1. Religion: Spiritual beliefs during the Latte Period likely revolved around animism, with a focus on ancestral worship. The Chamorros believed in spirits, including ancestors who had passed into the afterlife. These spirits were thought to influence the living world, necessitating rituals and offerings to maintain harmony and balance. Latte sites themselves had religious and ceremonial significance, possibly serving as locations for important communal gatherings and spiritual events.

2. Art and Symbolism: Art played a central role in the form of pottery, weaving, and body ornamentation. Chamorro pottery of this era shows sophisticated design, used not only for storage and cooking but also for ceremonial purposes. The motifs and designs likely held symbolic meanings tied to their beliefs and social status.

Impacts and Legacy

The legacy of the Latte Period persists in modern Chamorro culture, with latte stones remaining as important cultural symbols of resilience and identity. They are considered markers of ancient heritage, and many islands in the Marianas, including Guam and Saipan, feature places named after or featuring preserved latte stones.

Contemporary research and archaeological projects are dedicated to unraveling the full extent of Latte Period civilization. This involves both preserving the physical remains of this era and understanding the intricacies of social structures, practices, and beliefs.

Today, the Chamorro people honor and celebrate their heritage through ceremonies, festivals, and renewed efforts in cultural education, ensuring that the traditions of the Latte Period continue to inform and enrich their communal identity.