The Guanches — Tenerife's Indigenous People
The Guanches (from "Guan Chinet" — "Person of Tenerife") settled the island at least 2,500 years ago. They originated from Berber peoples of North Africa and likely reached the Canaries with simple boats — but then lost the seafaring technology and lived isolated on their respective islands for millennia, without contact with each other or the outside world.
Culture and Lifestyle
- Society: The Guanches of Tenerife were divided into nine Menceyatos (kingdoms), each ruled by a Mencey (king). The most important: Taoro (present-day Orotava Valley), Güímar, Anaga, Tegueste, and Adeje. The society was strictly hierarchical — nobles, warriors, priests, farmers.
- Lifestyle: The Guanches were shepherds and farmers who kept goats, sheep, and pigs. They lived in caves (especially in the Anaga mountains and near Güímar) and simple stone houses. Gofio — roasted barley and wheat flour — was their staple food and remains so in the Canaries to this day.
- Mummification: The Guanches practiced a mummification technique similar to the Egyptian one — unique in Europe. The mummies (Xaxos) were buried in hard-to-reach caves. Several mummies are displayed in the MUNA in Santa Cruz.
- Language: The Guanches spoke a Berber language, which was lost with the extinction of the last Guanches in the 17th century. Place names (Tenerife, Taoro, Güímar, Icod, Adeje), plant names, and individual words have been preserved.
- Religion: The Guanches worshipped Achamán (supreme god) and Magec (sun god). The Teide was considered the seat of the evil spirit Guayota, who held the sun god captive in the volcano. Volcanic eruptions were seen by the Guanches as the battle between good and evil.
