Regularly, and now expanding to other Islands through collaborations with various groups of history aficionados and the preservation of Canarian heritage, members of the Imastanen social archaeology group conduct expeditions and uncover new threats to the Guanche legacy, which they report to the Tenerife Heritage department. They have recently highlighted “a new violation” in Guía de Isora, where an engraving has been vandalised with graffiti, compounding the “complete neglect” of a Guanche settlement consisting of several hut structures in the same municipality located in the southwest of the Island.
In relation to this second instance, the team led by Sixto García emphasises that “it is an area with a considerable amount of invasive flora, particularly cattail and pencas, which are hindering the preservation of the site, a responsibility that falls to local authorities, as per the Heritage Law.”
They argue that, since both elements lack protection, activities involving motor vehicles nearby “are jeopardising these manifestations of heritage.” Consequently, they urge that the administration “takes on its delegated responsibilities regarding heritage, along with educating the younger generations and re-educating the adult population. It is the responsibility of the authorities to promote and elevate the legacy of our ancestors within society, as, in instances of rallies, they are acting in a vulnerable and open environment. The only way for it to develop safely and minimise impact on the surroundings is through proper regulation, maintenance, and safeguarding” of these inheritances from the Guanches.
As per usual, the group has informed the Heritage Department of the Cabildo de Tenerife about these occurrences. Regarding the engraving, they highlight that “it represents a particularly intriguing manifestation from our perspective,” while also cautioning that movements of stones have been observed “which may have modified the environment.”
“In light of both the damage and this most recent finding, Imastanen urges the administration to adopt a proactive stance in safeguarding and enhancing heritage, and to implement necessary measures ensuring that sports and other activities are conducted sustainably, preserving our heritage and environment for future generations,” they state to Canarias Ahora.
