Håfa Adai!
Here are some pictures of the fishing hook I have carved on commission for Cecilia Torres. I carved this hook prior to heading out to San Antonio to attend my younger brother Jessie's graduation from BMT. This piece was a lot of work, taking over four hours to make. It was completed on or around the twenty-third of June, 2004. I put 110% of my energy into making it. This haguet incorporates many facets of the Chamorro culture, contemporary and traditional. This hook which I have carved, has been fashioned from many materials. The hook itself has been carved from kánghelong karibao (caribao horn, the black material of the hooks shank) and to’lang guaka (cow bone, the white material of the bend and point). It has been inlayed with spondylus shell (Spondylus regius) on the bend which is a representation of ancient Chamorro money beads signifying wealth and riches. The shank has been intricately carved with tribal designs found in historical records, and on pottery shards scattered throughout our island of Guam. The rope is made of hågon åkgak (Pandanus tectorius, pandanus tree leaves), and has been carefully hand twisted to produce a smooth texture, and luster which will be enhanced by the natural oils of your skin. The seed which has been placed right above the hook’s shank on the rope is from gaye’ , or the seabean vine (Mucuna gigantes) and is called bayogun dikike’. It is used to ward off evil, and to bring good fortune to it’s possessor. This is a special type of bayogu as it is a tiger striped/mottled variety not often found in the boonies of Guam. The clasp is a spondylus money bead I thought would overall complete the piece.


Here is what Cecilia had to say upon receiving this hook in the mail:

Magnificent! The hook is wonderful and always get comments when I wear it. You may call yourself an artisan but you truly have an artist's soul. I've waited a long time for a hook made by a chamorru. It's funny but when I wear it I feel the hook's ties to to our homeland and its ties to our people. Your skill is evident and I hope that you get the recognition you deserve. Thanks also for the explanation of the materials used, that was really special.




Cecilia Torres



Please take a moment to view the hook I carved for Cecilia, made entirely of materials indigeneous to Guam. Enjoy!