The social archaeology group Imastanen has reported, via Canarias Ahora, a recent incident of vandalism on a Guanche engraving in the Guía de Isora municipality, located in the southwest of Tenerife. According to the group’s findings and accompanying images, individuals, believed to be hunters, have severely damaged this piece of aboriginal heritage with multiple gunshot rounds, illustrating “a deplorable event that highlights the fragility of our historical legacy.”
Led by Sixto García, the group has formally documented the case with the Heritage Department of the Tenerife Island Council. They are planning to request a meeting with local authorities and, if possible, with Mayor Ana Dorta, to discuss “the increasing number of attacks observed in Guía de Isora.”
The group affirms that the engraving has suffered “significant harm due to an act of vandalism that has left visible pellet marks on the rock, resulting in an irreparable loss for the history and culture of the Canary Islands. Situated in a remote and archaeologically significant area, this engraving represents one of the few remaining remnants of the Guanche civilization. These rock inscriptions not only serve as silent witnesses to a rich and intricate civilization but also provide valuable insights to researchers on the lives, beliefs, and customs of our ancestors,” they elaborate.
They describe this as “an intolerable act, not only damaging a crucial part of the engraving but also imprinting pellet marks deeply into the stone, complicating any restoration efforts. This deliberate act of vandalism reflects a concerning lack of respect and appreciation for our cultural heritage.” Thus, they stress the crucial need for “local authorities and heritage experts to denounce this recent attack and enhance protective measures for archaeological sites, including increased monitoring and surveillance in vulnerable areas.”
According to Imastanen, “it is imperative for everyone to recognise the significance of safeguarding our heritage, as each of these engravings is unique and irreplaceable. This unfortunate incident should serve as a wake-up call for all. Preserving cultural heritage is not solely the responsibility of authorities but of society as a whole. We must advocate for respect and preservation of our history, ensuring that future generations can also appreciate and learn from it.” Therefore, besides their role in exposing such events, they emphasise the necessity of “educational and informative efforts to foster this collective consciousness.”
