I’m so pumped to share something very close to my heart: the launch of the GUMA TÅGA Tåktåk Heavy Duty Cleaver. This isn’t just a cleaver—it’s a piece of our Chamorro history and culture, brought to life in a way that connects our past with our everyday lives. And honestly, I couldn’t be more excited to tell you why this project means so much to me.
You see, growing up as a proud island boy from the Marianas, I’ve always been fascinated by the strength and resilience of our people. When I started my knife company, Blades by Crank, I wanted to create more than just tools. I wanted to craft pieces that told a story—our story. The GUMA TÅGA Tåktåk cleaver does exactly that.
The Legacy of the Guma’ Tåga
Let’s talk about the inspiration behind this cleaver: Guma’ Tåga, the House of Tåga on Tinian. If you’ve ever stood before these massive latte stones, you know what I’m talking about—it’s a surreal experience. These aren’t just rocks; they’re symbols of strength, resilience, and ingenuity.
The Guma’ Tåga is the largest known latte structure in the Marianas, and it’s believed to have been the home of Chief Tåga, one of the most legendary figures in Chamorro history. Originally, there were 12 latte stones supporting the structure, but over time, only one remains standing. Yet, even that single stone tells an incredible story.
There’s a legend that says as long as one latte stone from the Guma’ Tåga remains standing, Chief Tåga’s spirit still lives on. For me, that’s powerful. It’s not just about the physical structure—it’s about what it represents: strength, resilience, and the endurance of our Chamorro culture through centuries of change and challenges.
What Latte Stones Mean to Us
Latte stones are found throughout the Marianas, and they’re unique to our islands. For our ancestors, they weren’t just architectural features; they were a reflection of their creativity and skill. These stones were used as the foundation for homes, raising them off the ground to protect against floods, pests, and other elements.
But they’re so much more than that. Today, latte stones have become a symbol of our identity as Chamorros. They represent our connection to the land, our ingenuity, and our ability to stand tall despite whatever comes our way.
Bringing This Spirit into the GUMA TÅGA Tåktåk Cleaver
When designing the GUMA TÅGA Tåktåk Heavy Duty Cleaver, I wanted to capture the essence of these latte stones and the Guma’ Tåga itself. This cleaver isn’t just a kitchen tool—it’s a piece of Chamorro heritage that you can use every day or display proudly in your home.
Each cleaver features a stunning depiction of the Guma’ Tåga, laser-etched onto the blade. It also comes with a custom acrylic stand, so you can showcase it as a collector’s item while also using it as a reliable, heavy-duty kitchen tool. Don’t let its beauty fool you—this cleaver is built tough, just like our ancestors. It’s made from precision-forged German steel, designed for heavy-duty tasks like chopping through bone and dense meats.
Why This Means So Much to Me
As a Chamorro and someone who’s passionate about our culture, it’s an honor to bring this piece to life. I want to inspire people to learn more about our history and to feel the same pride I do when I think about where we come from. The Guma’ Tåga and latte stones remind us of our roots, our strength, and our resilience.
I also see this as a way to teach the next generation about our heritage. My kids, for example, love hearing stories about Chief Tåga and the latte stones. I hope that when people see this cleaver, they’ll be inspired to share those stories with their families, too.
A Celebration of Chamorro Culture
This project is my way of giving back to our culture and celebrating the incredible legacy of the Marianas. I hope that every time you use the GUMA TÅGA Tåktåk Cleaver, you’ll feel that same sense of pride and connection to our ancestors.
To everyone who has supported me on this journey, Si Yu’us Ma’åse’. It’s because of you that I can continue to do what I love—celebrating our culture and sharing it with the world, one knife at a time.
si Frank “The Crank”