Ritidian Latte Village and Cave PaintingsBy: Jeremy KennonANTH 345 6380 World Prehistory and Archaeology (2152)University of Maryland University CollegeAPA

Overview

IntroductionMethod and TheoryPublic Outreach Important IssuesConclusionReferences

Introduction - Region

Guam Dimensions

30 Miles Long 12 Miles Wide

Population +150,000

Ethnic Groups Chamorro (37.3%) Filipino (26.3%) Others (-7% each)

Introduction – Period of Village

Archaeological investigations Site occupied 3,300 years ago Fishing grounds

Latte Period 800 – 1521 A.D.

Latte Stone, Hagatna, GU

Method and Theory

Archaeologists Dr. Mike T. Carson

Prior assistant professor at the archaeology office of the Richard F. Taitano Micronesian Area Research Center (MARC), University of Guam (UOG)

More than 60 contract-funded and grant-funded research projects

Dr. Rosina Iping Research scientist at Catholic University of

America in Washington

Method and Theory

Latte Sets Archaeologist studied

Food preparation patterns Tool manufacturing patterns Water/food storage Discarded food remains

Archaeologist found Pieces of metal Chinese porcelain European glass beads

Archaeologist found remains that indicate the prior existence of a Spanish church.

Method and Theory

Theories 1999 – Dr Iping

Associated the pictographs in the Ritidian cave, now referred to as Starcave, to the ancient stars

Based on navigational practices of Micronesians (Villaverde, n.d.)

Method and Theory

Dr. Carson Early inhabitants of the

cave were anglers - Radiocarbon

Latte Period Surviving artifacts from

Spanish occupation period

Late latte period near the end of latte use

Latte more ceremonial

Public Outreach

Online Resources http://www.guampedia.com/ancient-village-ritidi

an-litekyan-2/#Archeological_field_work_at_Ritidian

Sign for the church remainsNo sign for the caves

Important Issues

Site not protected. A fence with a gate in place to

stop damage to cave. Fence is 20 feet long and laying

down in open field Signs to keep out only visible from

hiking trail People do not have to take hiking

trail Humidity from visitors contributes

to destruction of cave art.

Important Issue

Make site identifiableCommunity policingReward for information

Conclusion

Method and TheoryPublic Outreach Important Issue

References

Carson, M. (2014, September 19). Ritidian (Litekyan). Guampedia. Retrieved March 1, 2015, from http://www.guampedia.com/ancient-village-ritidian-litekyan-2/

Central Intelligence Agency (2014, June 10). World Fact Book: Guam. Central Intelligence Agency. Retreived March 1, 2015, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/gq.html

References Cont.

Deutsch, G. (2005, November 1). NASA Satellite Detects Massive Star Partner. National Aeronautical Space Administration. Retrieved March 1, 2015, from http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2005/nov/HQ_05353_massive_star.html

Geography of Guam. Retrieved March 1, 2015, from http://ns.gov.gu/geography.html

References

Ridgell, C. (2014, December 11). Ancient Chamorro village “re-discovered” in Ritidian wildlife refuge below proposed firing range. Pacific News Center. Retrieved March 1, 2015, from http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/guam/item/1200-large-latte-site-re-discovered-in-ritidian-wildlife-refuge

Villaverde, R. (n.d.). Guam Starcave Part I at ns.gov.gu. Retrieved March 1, 2015, from http://guam.org.gu/starcave/