Stone of the Guanches
Taganana | |
| Location | Afur,Tenerife,Canary Islands |
|---|---|
| Type | Guanchestele |
TheStone of the Guanches,also known asStone of Taganana,[1]is anengravedstonestelelocated in the village of Afur (nearTaganana), on the island ofTenerife,Canary Islands,Spain.It is made of redtuffvolcanic rock.
Characteristics
[edit]Thisarchaeological siteconsists 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 withmummificationpractices of aboriginalGuanches(themirlado). For this reason the stone is also calledMirlado stoneorstone 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 theCarthaginiangoddessTanit,[1]represented by abottle-shapedsymbol surrounded bycruciformmotifs. The general outline of the monument reminds the form ofstelae,[1]such as therunestones.For this reason, it is thought that originally was analtarof sacrifice linked to those found in theSemitic[1]field and then reused for the ritual of mummification.
See also
[edit]- List of individual rocks
- Cave of Achbinico
- Cave of Chinguaro
- Church of the Guanche People
- Zanata Stone
References
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