The mummies of the Canary Islands have long been a subject of intrigue and speculation, with their enigmatic origins shrouded in mystery. The Guanches, the islands’ first known inhabitants, practiced mummification rituals that drew comparisons to the ancient Egyptians, sparking theories of a possible connection between the two cultures.
Some even proposed that the Guanches were remnants of the legendary lost city of Atlantis. Recent scientific discoveries, however, are shedding new light on the truth behind these fascinating mummies.
Through advanced archaeological techniques and genetic analysis, researchers have determined that the Guanches were descendants of Berber peoples from North Africa. This finding aligns with historical evidence of trade and migration routes between the Canary Islands and North Africa.
The Guanches’ mummification practices were likely influenced by their ancestral roots and cultural interactions, rather than direct contact with ancient Egyptians. These rituals served as a means of preserving and honoring their deceased, reflecting their spiritual beliefs and reverence for the afterlife. While the Guanches may not have originated from Atlantis or shared direct connections with the ancient Egyptians, their mummies continue to captivate our imagination and offer valuable insights into the complex tapestry of human history.
- The Guanches of the Canary Islands: Atlantean Giants
- Mummia Medicine: Did Europeans Eat Ancient Egyptian Mummies?
Top image: One of the two Guanche mummies of Necochea at the Museum of Nature and Man of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Source: Wolfgang Sauber / CC BY-SA 3.0.
