James C. Bamba
James Cruz Bamba is a CHamoru cultural practitioner, artisan, and educator dedicated to preserving and revitalizing traditional weaving practices of the Mariana Islands. Born in 1980 in Scotland to a military family, Bamba spent his formative years in Guam (Guåhan) and later in the Florida Panhandle. His early experiences of cultural disconnection fueled a lifelong commitment to reconnecting with and promoting his Chamorro heritage. nao-project.csic.es+1NAO+1
Early life and education
Bamba was born in 1980 in Scotland to Joseph F. Bamba and Annie C. Bamba (née Annie Cruz). He graduated from George Washington High School in 1998 and attended Guam Community College for a year. He then spent over 13 years working abroad as a linguist in the US Air Force before returning to Guam in 2013 to give back to his community.[1]
Career
Bamba's journey into weaving began in 1995 under the guidance of his aunt, Rosario Cruz (Tan Chåro’), and his great-uncle, Pedro C. Cruz. They taught him to craft traditional items such as the guagua’ (food basket), che’op (long carry basket), and katupat (rice pouch) using coconut and pandanus leaves.
After returning to Guam, Bamba served as a cultural instructor at Sagan Kotturan Chamoru and taught the special studies course Tinifok CHamoru (Chamorro weaving) at the University of Guam. He currently resided in Luta (Rota), working as the Endangered Plant Species Specialist for the CNMI Department of Lands & Natural Resources, integrating his botanical knowledge with cultural preservation efforts.[2]
Bamba has extended his cultural advocacy to Hawaiʻi, participating in events and workshops that promote Chamorro weaving traditions. His efforts aim to educate broader audiences about the significance of indigenous crafts and their role in cultural identity. Hawaii Public Radio
Personal life
Bamba maintains an active online presence, sharing his work and educational content through various platforms. His YouTube channel features demonstrations of traditional weaving techniques, aiming to inspire and instruct both Chamorro and global audiences.
Legacy
In a 2024 episode of the podcast Ologies titled "Canistrumology," Bamba shared insights into Chamorro weaving, discussing materials, techniques, and the cultural importance of the craft. He emphasized the need for sustainable practices and the challenges posed by environmental changes affecting the availability of traditional weaving materials.
References
- ↑ NAO Project. (n.d.). About James Cruz Bamba. Weaving the Pacific. Retrieved from https://nao-project.csic.es/newsroom/weaving-the-pacific/about-james-cruz-bamba/
- ↑ University of Guam. (2022, April 7). 2022 MARC lecture series to feature archaeological work in Rota Island and CHamoru language research in Germany. University of Guam News Announcements. Full article
External links
About James Cruz Bamba - NAO Project
Chamorro Weaving - James Bamba - YouTube
Ginen Guåhan (@ginenguahan) • Instagram photos and videos
