Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 10 Mar. (Europa Press) –
The Sumar Canary Movement has appealed to the Ministry of Culture for the relocation of the human remains of the Mummy Guanche of Erques, which are currently housed in the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid.
This was conveyed by the General Coordinators of the Almar Canarias Movement, Mila Hormiga and Jacinto Ortega, who approached the ministry led by Ernest Urtasun to emphasise the vital significance of returning these remains to the archipelago, advocating for their preservation in a facility on the island of Tenerife, reached through consensus between specialists and public authorities.
The officials from the political organisation have also expressed their full support and cooperation to the Ministry of Culture so that this “historic opportunity” to bring a symbol of Guanche culture, representing a “precious testament” to the pre-Hispanic heritage of the Canary Islands, can be realised.
Mila has highlighted in a statement that they anticipate a “commitment” from the Canary Islands government and the Ministry regarding the non-exhibition of the mummy’s remains, urging adherence to the Code of Ethics of the ICOM (International Council of Museums), which recognises these remains as sensitive cultural items.
“Nowadays, there is ample technology available to create realistic virtual representations. We believe it is time to initiate a discussion among experts and the Canarian public,” the representative of the political group added.
Jacinto Ortega, on his part, explained that their visit to the Ministry was aimed at stressing the importance of rectifying “a historical obligation” to ensure that the human remains of the mummy of Erques are located in the Canary Islands, “where they rightfully belong, a development that would aid in the promotion of culture and Canarian identity.”
“I think it is crucial to launch a participatory process involving public bodies, incorporating civil society alongside specialists, to legally, economically, and materially assess the transfer of these remains back to the islands,” Ortega stated.
