The Civic Centre of Valle San Lorenzo will host the premiere of ‘Magec in the Valle del Ahijadero’ at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20. This documentary will intricately unveil one of the most significant discoveries in Canarian archaeology: a solstice marker Guanche situated within the lithophone of the Roque de Malpaso Archaeological Zone.
The documentary has been directed by Tarek Ode and receives support from the Cultural Historical Heritage Area of the Arona City Council, overseen by councillor Luis García. It features contributions from esteemed experts, including Canary Islands Prize laureate Antonio Tejera Gaspar and archaeologist Beatriz Gallego, who offer profound insights into the significance of this marker concerning the astronomical beliefs and practices of the ancient inhabitants of the Canary Islands.
This remarkable solar marker, unique to the archipelago, was serendipitously uncovered by Ode himself in 2018 and has been the focus of five years of extensive research. The film, scheduled for screening on Friday at the Valle San Lorenzo Civic Centre, delves into the mysteries surrounding this extraordinary discovery, which sheds new light on the methods employed by the Guanches to align their activities with solar cycles.
Tarek Ode has emphasised the importance of this discovery, stating, “which confirms the undeniable connection between Guanche culture and the cosmos.” He further comments, “The fusion of a lithophone, rock engravings linked to death, and a solstice marker solidifies Roque de Malpaso as an extraordinary site, one of a kind in the Archipelago, and I would venture to say, even unique globally.” Ode clarified that the aim of the documentary is to highlight the significance of this archaeological complex “not only to Arona and the Canary Islands but to the whole world while raising awareness about the necessity to safeguard and appreciate this precious heritage found in Canarian sites such as this one.”
Reflecting upon the sentiments of Antonio Tejera Gaspar, connected not only to this recent research but also to the discovery of the Zone lithophone during the 1980s, the director behind ‘Magec in the Valle del Ahijadero’ has emphasised that the research presented in his documentary “unveils a gem that invites us to delve into the wisdom of those who coexisted in harmony with the universe, a treasure that also forges a profound bond with our history and culture.”
Luis García has remarked that “it was imperative for the Historical Cultural Heritage Area to engage in this crucial project that illuminates the initial settlers of the Ahijadero Valley – or Chacacharte in the Guanche language – as well as its significant connection with Magec (the sun), nature, and the cosmos collectively. Additionally, he praised Tarek Ode’s outstanding efforts to emphasise the substantial relevance of this discovery, of the Roque de Malpaso Archaeological Zone, and of Arona’s archaeology, “delivering highly pertinent information in a straightforward manner, easily comprehensible for all, accompanied by stunning visuals of this captivating part of Arona.”
This documentary, as highlighted by the Councillor for Historical Cultural Heritage, “serves as an invaluable instrument to continue progressing towards the objective of ensuring that the abundant archaeological remains of Arona are not only recognised outside the municipality but also understood by the majority of the population in Arona.” He pointed out that while the dissemination of these treasures carries certain risks, “the greatest peril to the Guanche sites of Arona is ignorance and oblivion,” which is why he deems it essential to “publicise their significance and encourage the community in their preservation.”
