noliths are among the mysterious attractions in the Pacific Islands, and CNMI has got a fair share of these stone edifices that has existed and weathered the elements of nature for years. The stone monoliths play a special role in the islands as though the people wanted to leave something to remind the future generations that centuries before, they existed.The House of Taga on Tinian is one example of these monoliths. In fact, it is one of CNMI’s main attractions as visitors spread the word about its strange and unfathomable existence.
The huge pillars of stone which people of long ago had industriously and painstakingly hewn out of solid rock or reef corals were supposed to be the foundations of an elevated structure or meeting house.
According to Tinian representative Edwin Aldan who volunteered to give me and my buddies a tour of the island, the pillars were believed to be the base or foundations of the house of Taga, a 17th century Chamorro leader who possess great strength and wisdom. He was known for aiding Spaniards who were shipwrecked in the island. Legend has it that when the last of these group of latte stones fall down, the famous Chamorro leader will return to Tinian.
Even in broad daylight, it felt strange and kind of eerie to be walking around the huge slabs of stones that had been mute witnesses of the events of long ago. If the stones can talk, they would have so much to tell, more than enough to fill volumes.
A visit to Tinian will never be complete if you miss out this famous edifice that is located right at Tinian’s central area in San Jose. It is readily accessible to anybody who will spare a few minutes to drop by and marvel at this piece of history that will be here for a long time.
This article was originally published HERE
