Pacific

Chamorro hut replicas unveiled at Saipan airport

11:59 am on 17 September 2009

Two traditional Chamorro huts are on display at the Saipan International Airport in the Northern Mariana Islands.

The Governor Eloy Inos and Marianas visitor authority officials unveiled one of the two hut replicas yesterday, citing the importance of showcasing cultural pride to visitors and residents.

Heinz Staffler, a 72-year-old Austrian who has been on Saipan for 32 years, made the two hut replicas.

Each is made from ironwood tree, dried ordinary grass and bamboo, while the latte stones are made from cement and black tile grout.