Stone of the Guanches
The Stone of the Guanches, also known as Stone of Taganana,[1] is an engraved stone stele located in the village of Afur (near Taganana), on the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. It is made of red tuff volcanic rock.
| Taganana | |
| Location | Afur, Tenerife, Canary Islands |
|---|---|
| Type | Guanche stele |
Characteristics
This archaeological site consists of a structure formed by a stone block featuring large rock carvings on its surface, elevated on three more smaller rocks. The assembly has a similar appearance to a table. This monolithic block is associated with mummification practices of aboriginal Guanches (the mirlado). For this reason the stone is also called Mirlado stone or stone of the Dead.[2] This is a unique element in the context of the Canarian prehistory.
The Guanche Stone is located on the littoral outdoor area in the ravine of Afur.[2] They are engraved on the stone rows of bowls arranged vertically. It also highlights the presence of a representation of the Carthaginian goddess Tanit,[1] represented by a bottle-shaped symbol surrounded by cruciform motifs. The general outline of the monument reminds the form of stelae,[1] such as the runestones. For this reason, it is thought that originally was an altar of sacrifice linked to those found in the Semitic[1] field and then reused for the ritual of mummification.