Among the many symbols of our resilience and creativity, the CHamoru sling stone stands out as a remarkable testament to the advanced skills and resourcefulness of our ancestors. These sling stones, crafted centuries ago, bear a striking resemblance to the modern NFL football—a design that speaks volumes about the CHamorus’ understanding of aerodynamics and precision.
As the adjutant general of the Guam National Guard, I am deeply inspired by the ingenuity and heritage of the CHamoru people. My fascination with the CHamoru sling stone began in childhood. Over the years, I have collected a few of these extraordinary artifacts, each one serving as a tangible connection to our history and the ingenuity of our ancestors. I keep a portion of this collection proudly displayed in a glass case in my office, a practice I began when I served as the lieutenant governor of Guam. This lifelong interest has given me a profound appreciation for the craftsmanship and utility of these tools, which were integral to survival and defense in ancient times.
Recently, I had the privilege of observing, alongside the governor of Guam and the other leaders of the military services on Guam, a missile defense test conducted by the Missile Defense Agency. This test, named Operation Sling Stone, highlighted the critical importance of precision and resilience in safeguarding our island’s security.
Witnessing this operation was a touching reminder of how the ingenuity of the CHamoru people—exemplified in their sling stones—continues to inspire and inform modern innovations. It is this connection between our heritage and our present that compels me to write this article.
While this exercise was an important step in developing Guam’s defenses and showcasing our readiness, there was a deeper and more personal significance to my witnessing this event. Through the eyes of the young boy who admired the Acho Atupat, a technologically advanced projectile was once again slung from our ancient lands and struck its target with skill and precision.
The sling stone, or "acha," was no mere tool; it was a carefully engineered projectile, shaped into an elongated oval with pointed ends. This design minimized air resistance, enabling it to travel with exceptional velocity and accuracy when launched from a sling. The parallels to today’s football are undeniable, but what is even more astounding is that this aerodynamic mastery was achieved without the benefit of modern technology.
For a skilled CHamoru warrior, this meant unparalleled accuracy and power, whether hunting prey or defending against adversaries. Ancient Spanish accounts describe the extraordinary power and accuracy with which CHamorus wielded these sling stones, noting that they could "drive these sling stones" into trees with incredible force.
Father Pedro Coomans, in his historical account, vividly describes the deadly precision of the CHamoru sling: "Their offensive weapons include the sling, which they aim very skillfully at the head. Out of small ropes, they weave a sort of net-bag, in which to carry stones with an oblong shape, some formed out of a marble stone, and others of clay, hardened in either the sun or fire. They whirl and shoot those so violently. Should it make an impact upon a more delicate part, like the heart, or the head, the man is flattened on the spot."
Reflecting on the biblical story of David and Goliath, I am reminded of the universal significance of the sling as a tool of empowerment. David’s selection of an appropriate stone from a brook emphasizes the importance of the right design for accuracy and power. However, it was not just the stone or David’s skill that ensured victory. It was providence—God—that was integral in David’s triumph over Goliath.
This story underscores how faith and preparation can work in harmony to achieve the seemingly impossible. Similarly, the Chamorros’ crafting of the acha demonstrates a profound understanding of principles that blend natural design with purposeful intent.
What makes the CHamoru sling stone even more extraordinary is its cultural significance. More than just a weapon, it symbolizes the resilience, ingenuity, and resourcefulness of the CHamoru people. Today, its legacy is immortalized in the Guam flag, where the sling stone is prominently depicted. This powerful emblem reminds us of our rich heritage and the enduring spirit of our ancestors.
As I reflect on the CHamoru sling stone, I am filled with pride and admiration for the achievements of our forebears. Their understanding of aerodynamics rivals that of modern engineers, and their crafted tools are a universal reminder of humanity’s innovative spirit. When we watch an NFL quarterback hurl a football with precision and grace, let us also remember the CHamoru warriors who mastered the art of projectile design with their extraordinary sling stones.
Their legacy inspires us to honor our history while striving for excellence in all that we do. And like a CHamoru warrior of old defending his village or like David, the biblical underdog, Operation Sling Stone showed we can and will defend ourselves,
Dr. Michael W. Cruz is the adjutant general of the Guam National Guard. He is a surgeon and former politician who served as the 8th lieutenant governor of Guam from 2007 to 2011.
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