Guanche mummies
Guanche mummies (
Archaeological record
The most well-preserved, and therefore the most thoroughly-studied, mummies were found on Tenerife.[5]
In 1933, the Guanche necropolis of Uchova was discovered in the municipality of San Miguel de Abona in southern Tenerife. It is estimated that it contained between 60 and 74 mummies before the cemetery was almost completely looted.[6]
Physical examination of the Guanche mummies of Tenerife found that they were quite tall. On average, the males stood 1.70 m (5.57 feet) and the females were 1.57 m (5.15 feet) in height. They were also generally of robust constitution.[7]
The oldest mummified remains of the Canary Islands are from the 3rd century CE and were found on Tenerife.[8]
Historical record
The Guanche had groups of males and females, working as mummification specialists, who would carry out the process according to the gender of the decedent. The Guanche culture considered these individuals unclean due to the nature of their work.[5]
Mummification process
While early explorers reported various traditions associated with Guanche mummification (mirlado in Canarian Spanish), there are three methods identified in modern times through scientific analysis: evisceration, preservation, and stuffing. These methods have been used in various combinations depending on the era in which the mummy was created.[5]
In 1876, Dr. Don
In 1991, an examination conducted by Patrick Horne of a mummy held at the
Preservation of the outer parts of the body was normally achieved through a combination of resins and animal skin wrappings. The resins were prepared with a mixture of minerals, plants, and fats. These were spread across the body prior to allowing it to dry, either in the sun or through smoking. Finally, the deceased was wrapped in animal skins and laid to rest. The number of animal skins used in wrapping corresponded with the individual's social status, with kings being wrapped with up to 15 skins.[5]
DNA analysis
A 2017 DNA analysis study has shown that the ancestors of the Guanches originated from North Africa.[10][11]
Individual Guanche mummies
- Guanche mummy of Madrid
- Guanche mummies of Necochea
- Mummy of San Andrés – Guanche mummy
References
- ^ Fraile Gil, Cecilia (20 November 2020). "Anatomía del xaxo canario mejor conservado: Así era el líder guanche momificado "mejor que los egipcios"". ABC (in Spanish). Retrieved 6 May 2021.
- ^ Santana, Ana (2016-04-07). "Los aborígenes de Tenerife llamaban "xaxos" a sus momias". ElDiario.es (in Spanish). Retrieved 22 June 2021.
- ^ a b c Deem, James. "Guanche Mummies". James M Deem's Mummy Tombs. Archived from the original on 31 October 2013. Retrieved 10 November 2013.
- ^ a b "Conrado Rodríguez-Maffiote: "Estamos en uno de los mejores momentos en cuanto a la investigación sobre la cultura guanche"". blog.rtve.es/. 29 May 2020. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
- ^ ISBN 9780521589543. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
- ^ "Un estudio recuerda el expolio de la mayor necrópolis guanche jamás hallada". European Pressphoto Agency. 31 August 2010. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
- ISBN 978-3709165652. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
- ^ "Las momias guanches más antiguas de Canarias se conservan en Tenerife". Canarias7. Informaciones Canarias, S.A. 8 June 2012.
- ^ JSTOR 3243832.
- ^ "The Guanches originated from North Africa, shows DNA-study". phys.org. Retrieved 2021-06-17.
- S2CID 1141896.