The Indigenous Canarians — Natives of the Island
Before the Europeans arrived, Gran Canaria was inhabited by the indigenous Canarians (also known as Canarii or — somewhat inaccurately — "Guanches," although this term strictly applies only to Tenerife). Their origins remain unclear to this day, but genetic studies confirm a relationship with the Berbers of North Africa. They likely settled the island in the 1st millennium BC — and lived there in complete isolation for over 1,500 years.
Society & Lifestyle
The indigenous Canarians of Gran Canaria were remarkably advanced for a Stone Age culture without metalworking:
- Two Kingdoms: The island was divided into two Guanartematos (kingdoms) — Telde in the east and Gáldar in the west, each ruled by a Guanarteme (king).
- Cave Dwellings: They lived in natural and artificially expanded caves (as in Artenara, Gáldar, and Guayadeque) — a practice so practical that it continues to this day.
- Grain Storage: Collective rock granaries like the Cenobio de Valerón were used to store grain (mainly barley) and figs.
- Astronomy: The cave of Risco Caído (UNESCO World Heritage) contains a sophisticated solar calendar — evidence of remarkable astronomical knowledge.
- Religion: The indigenous Canarians worshipped a mother goddess (Almogarén) and held religious ceremonies on sacred mountains — Roque Nublo and Roque Bentayga were cult sites.
Their main food was Gofio — roasted grain flour, which remains the most important staple food in the Canary Islands today. They kept goats and pigs but rarely fished — a mystery given their island habitat. Their clothing was made from goat hides, and they used tools made of stone and bone.
