The Ancient Amazigh Heritage of the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands, a picturesque archipelago located off the northwest coast of Africa, boast a rich history that predates Roman influence. This history is deeply intertwined with the Amazigh people, who are believed to have arrived from North Africa long before the islands became a focal point for European exploration and colonization.

Tracing the Roots of the First Inhabitants

Recent archaeological findings and genetic research have shed light on the origins of the first settlers of the Canary Islands. Contrary to popular belief, these early inhabitants were not European but rather Amazigh, also known as Berbers. This group, which has historical roots extending from modern-day Libya to Morocco, established the first communities in the archipelago, significantly altering its historical narrative.

Research suggests that these early settlers likely reached the islands between the 10th century BC and the 1st century AD. They navigated from the ancient coasts of Mauritania or Morocco, showcasing remarkable maritime skills. This migration occurred well before the expansion of Roman power in the Mediterranean, marking the Canary Islands as a unique cultural and historical enclave.

Enduring Cultural Legacy of the Amazigh

The cultural imprint of the Amazigh is still evident in contemporary Canary Island culture. The social structures, agricultural methods, and environmental interactions of the ancient inhabitants reflect a distinctly African perspective. Their language, which has since become extinct, shared similarities with Tamazight, a Berber language still spoken in North Africa today. This linguistic connection highlights the deep-rooted ties between the islands and the African continent.

Spiritual beliefs among the ancient Canarians, known as the Guanches, were deeply rooted in nature. They worshipped deities such as Achamán, the sky god, and Moneiba and Eranoranhan, who were revered as guardians of the home. Practices like mummification, pottery, and the use of caves for worship resonate with those found in Amazigh cultures across the Atlas region. These traditions not only reflect the spiritual life of the ancient Canarians but also their profound respect for the natural world.

The documentary “Canarias Amazigh” delves into these cultural connections, tracing parallels from archaeological sites in Gran Canaria and Tenerife to valleys in Algeria and Morocco, where similar customs persist. This exploration underscores the enduring legacy of the Amazigh and their influence on the cultural fabric of the Canary Islands.

From Myth to Historical Evidence

For many years, the origins of the Canary Islands’ inhabitants were steeped in myth and speculation. Medieval historians often linked them to the legendary Atlanteans or suggested that the islands were remnants of the Garden of the Hesperides. However, archaeological discoveries have gradually replaced these tales with factual evidence, painting a clearer picture of the islands’ past.

Excavations at significant sites like La Cueva Pintada de Gáldar and Teguise have uncovered artifacts and ceramics that affirm a connection to North Africa. These findings provide tangible proof of the Amazigh presence in the Canaries. The earliest evidence indicates human presence on the islands dating back to the first millennium BC, establishing the Canaries as a territory of Amazigh long before Roman expansion into Hispania.

Moreover, the discoveries at these archaeological sites have not only enriched our understanding of the ancient Amazigh but have also sparked renewed interest in the cultural heritage of the Canary Islands. As researchers continue to explore these sites, they uncover more about the daily lives, customs, and beliefs of the early inhabitants, further solidifying their place in history.

Key points

• The Canary Islands were inhabited by the Amazigh long before Roman arrival.
• Amazigh settlers originated from North Africa, not Europe.
• Genetic studies confirm a direct link between ancient Canarians and Amazigh populations.
• The first groups likely arrived between the 10th century BC and the 1st century AD.
• Amazigh culture influences modern Canary Island traditions and spirituality.
• Archaeological evidence supports the presence of humans in the Canaries from the first millennium BC.