Latte Stones

Latte stones are an important part of native Chamorro identity. These monoliths formed the base supports for ancient Chamorro homes and the dead were often buried at the foot of latte stones. The largest still standing is 16ft tall and is on the island of Tinian. Latte stones came into use in 800AD but their use greatly declined after the arrival of the Spanish in 1521. Latte stones are so important to Chamorro identity that Pre-Spanish Chamorro culture is divided into three eras: Pre-Latte, Transitional Latte, and Latte periods. The Latte stones in this park where excavated from Ritidian in northern Guam and moved to this park.