The Guanches

The Guanches were the indigenous people of the Canary Islands, an archipelago located off the northwest coast of Africa, in the Atlantic Ocean. These islands are now part of Spain, but prior to European colonization, they were home to the Guanche civilization. The exact origins of the Guanches remain a subject of study, though it is believed they arrived on the islands sometime during the first millennium BC, possibly from North Africa, and their language was closely related to the Berber languages spoken by people in present-day Morocco and Algeria.

The Guanche culture was unique, with distinct social structures, religious beliefs, and a lifestyle adapted to the island environment. They were primarily farmers, herders, and hunters. They built impressive stone structures, including pyramids, and had a deep connection with the land and nature. Their religion was animistic, with a belief in spirits and gods tied to natural forces. The Guanches also practiced mummification, preserving the bodies of their dead in caves, a practice similar to that of ancient Egyptians.

The arrival of the Spanish in the early 15th century marked the beginning of the end for the Guanches. The Spanish conquest led to violent conflicts and the spread of diseases, to which the Guanche population had no immunity. Many were killed in battles, while others succumbed to illness. By the late 17th century, the Guanches had been largely assimilated into Spanish culture, and their language and many of their traditions disappeared.

Although the Guanches were largely absorbed by the Spanish settlers, elements of their culture survive today. For example, the whistled language of Silbo, still used in La Gomera, and some words in Canarian Spanish are believed to have Guanche origins. Genetic studies have confirmed that the Guanches were closely related to North African Berber populations, further solidifying their African roots.