Chamorro Documentary Project, 1989-1990

Physical access and technical requirements:

Work or proof prints are typically sized 3 1/2 x 5 inches. Many work prints bear stamps on the back with the project title, theme, subjects, date, and original identification number.

Specific locations, subjects and dates are reflected in print and folder titles, as originally assigned by the photographer. In some cases, multiple date markings on finished prints may reflect the date taken and date printed.

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Extent:

2.5 Linear Feet (5 boxes)

Scope and content:

In 1990, Frank Espada was asked by his friend and colleague from Chicago, Samuel Betances, to photograph the indigenous Chamorro people of Guam, Saipan, Titian and Rota in the Mariana Islands. Modeled after Espada's Puerto Rican Diaspora project, the aim of this project was to chronicle the Chamorro culture as well as the social challenges faced by this group, whose diaspora includes Hawaii and California. Some of the photographs in this series were taken at a Chamorro festival in California, but most were taken on Guam, the island with the largest concentration of Chamorro people. One series of about 290 work prints documents the funeral procession and expressions of protest after the suicide of former Guam governor Ricardo Bordallo in February 1990. Specific projects, programs, and protests are described in the photograph or folder titles. Most titles are retained from the originals.

Physical facet:

Approximately 1572 items

Contents

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