ABOUT
The New Moon necklace, or sinahi, is an object that has held a great amount of significance to the Chamorro (Chamoru) people for over a thousand years. The Chamorro people are an indigenous tribe of Guam (Guåhån in the Chamoru language) still active today between the Pacific Islands of Guam and the Mariana Islands in Micronesia. Sinahi necklaces are traditionally carved from a large Hima clam shell, beads made of cone sea snails, and a carved fit clasp from a local Guahan tree. Today, sinahi are made of different materials such as abalone shells, cow bones, clay, and ancient stones. Unfortunately, the true meaning of the sinahi has been lost through the years as a result of Guam’s history of colonization. But, the Chamorro people still wear it with pride today in order to reconnect with their past and their tribal roots. What is known is that the sinahi necklace was only worn by those of great leadership in the tribe, based on their accomplishments. The size of the clam shell was not important because the true significance of the sihani was ultimately imbued with its wearer’s personality, accomplishments, and karma. The name “sihani” comes from the Chamorro belief in the strength of the moonlight. When it was a new moon and no light was present, those who had earned the sinahi would be seen as having the strength of the moonlight.  

— Amal Khalil

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