Designed by: Norbert Perez

Compiled by: Shelly Santiago

Figan-Nai is a popular ancient Chamori Fire Dance performed by the Taotao Tano' of Guahan. It is a Sacred Dance of Fertility and performed ONLY by the Famalåo'an (women). It is usually played out in the evenings around a bonfire at some secluded beach. The island of Kulalis in Malesso' and the island of Alupang in Tamuning were usually the stage for such events. The beating of sticks, rocks and wooden drums, the sounds of the Sacred Kulo' plus the songs and chants would permeate the night air. The crackling of the fire and the chirping of the Koko birds would also captivate the shoreline. The Famalåo'an would take center stage to show-off their chanting and dancing prowess. This sacred ritual is usually performed in the nude....to cleanse the body of all impurities. The Chamori people were a stylish but creative lot, with a profound sense of competitive adventure.