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).
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 (Chamoru 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 Chamoru weaving traditions. His efforts aim to educate broader audiences about the significance of indigenous crafts and their role in cultural identity. Hawaii Public Radio
Festivals, Exhibitions, and Community Outreach
James C. Bamba has played a prominent role in numerous cultural festivals and exhibitions across the Pacific. He was an active participant in the 2016 Festival of Pacific Arts (FestPAC) held in Guam, where he showcased traditional Chamoru weaving techniques and contributed to inter-island knowledge exchange. His continued commitment to cultural advocacy was reflected again during the 2024 FestPAC in Hawaiʻi, where he represented the island of Luta, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands delegation and participated in live demonstrations and workshops.[3]
In addition to his involvement in large-scale festivals, Bamba curated the exhibition *Åntes, På'go, yan Mo'na* ("Before, Now, and Later") along with fellow weavers from Guåhan, which explored the resilience and continuity of Chamoru cultural practices through contemporary and ancestral forms of weaving, storytelling, and performance.
He was also invited to participate in the 2019 Honolulu Biennial *To Make Wrong / Right / Now*, where he presented a woven installation in the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum that bridged Indigenous knowledge, environmental resistance, and ancestral material practices. His contributions emphasized the continuity of Austronesian technologies and ecological stewardship.
Several of Bamba’s works have been co-collected and are currently housed in the Pacific Collection of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, reflecting his growing international recognition as both a cultural practitioner and an artist.[4]
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 Chamoru and global audiences.
Legacy
In a 2024 episode of the podcast Ologies titled "Canistrumology," Bamba shared insights into Chamoru 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
- ↑ Hawai‘i Public Radio. (2024, June 17). FestPAC art: Chamorro weaving from the Mariana Islands. Hawai‘i Public Radio. Full article
- ↑ Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand. (n.d.). *James C. Bamba – Chamorro artist and cultural practitioner*. Retrieved from [[1]]
External links
About James Cruz Bamba - NAO Project
Chamoru Weaving - James Bamba - YouTube
Ginen Guåhan (@ginenguahan) • Instagram photos and videos
