Good Morning,
I am seeking assistance on my Fine Arts essay. I greatly appreciate your feedback.
1)what art i have chosen to talk about. how old is it. who is responsible for it and the medium/materials used.
2)detailed description of the piece.
3)why i was drawn to it.
4)analysis of the work.
Sorry I hit post to soon.
The Culture, Catholicism, and Controversies of Chief Quipuha
The work I chose for my final essay is The Statue of Chief Quipuha (Ke puha), which is located on Paseo de Susana Peninsula in Hagåtña, Guam. The statue was built in July 1976 and is proximally 40-years old. It was commissioned by Governor Ricardo J. Bordallo, who chose a chief of prestige and honor to represent the people of Guam. The material used to construct the eleven-foot statue were fiberglass for the statue and concrete for the latte pillar.
Chief Quipuha was described as “tall and robust by the missionaries” (Guampedia) that came to the Island of Guam. The immense statue stands on a latte stone pillar made of concrete in the capital of Guam, overlooking Marine Drive. He is surrounded by beautiful tropical flowers laid at the feet of his statue, indicating the respect and love the people had for him. His muscular stature displaying his strength and power as the protector and a leader. He stands erect with his head held high displaying his proud culture, while leading them into the future. His intense facial expression and the shaved head, leaving a small pony tail at the center of the back of his head, emanating his warrior spirit and prestige rank amongst other chiefs. He is placed in capital of the island which overlooks the ocean to stand guard and welcoming everyone.
The statue of Chief Quipuha drew my attention because of the rich history it provides for the people of Guam. Chief Quipuha was a predominant male in the 1600’s who was the first Chamorro to be baptized into the catholic faith. He was the first to greet visitors to the island showing them great hospitality. He strived to be the best and to do the best he could for his people. This statue represents the person I am, my culture, my faith, my island and its people.
The Chief Quipuha (Ke puha) statue stands as a representation of the culture, catholic faith and the strength of the people of the island of Guam. Chief Quipuha, meaning “to uphold”, has paved the way for missionaries to teach the people of Guam about the catholic faith by granting them land to build a Basilica, which still stands today. Upholding that faith and being the first Chamorro to be baptized, he became the first catholic chief. Soon after Chief Quipuha died and the leaving the missionaries to challenge the Chamorro burial ritual; to be buried beneath their latte homes. This started the Spanish-Chamorro wars led by Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores, solidifying the presence of Catholic Churches in the Marianas. San Vitores succeeded at winning the war and buried the Chief beneath the Basilica. The war has forever changed the Chamorro culture.
This fiber glass representation of a man is what the truth and the culture of the Chamorro people once was before the Spanish invasion. It shows the strength and beauty of the island and its people, very hospitable and welcoming. Open to trade supplies and learn of new cultures from ships passing by. Our island is dubbed the island of thieves after Spanish invaded and took without giving back, and the Chamorro’s taking what they thought was fair trade.
Works Cited:
"Guampedia." Guampedia Kepuha Quipuha Comments. Web. 28 Apr. 2016.
"Chief Kepuha of Ancient Guam." Chief Kepuha of Ancient Guam. Web. 28 Apr. 2016.
"Chief Kepuha of Ancient Guam." Chief Kepuha of Ancient Guam. Web. 28 Apr. 2016.