A new case of archaeological looting has been brought to light by the social archeology team led by Sixto Domingo García Noda, this time at the Guanches cave on the coast of Icod de los Vinos. This cave is believed to be the residence of the Mencey of Ycoden according to oral tradition and has been the site of some of the oldest aboriginal settlements in Tenerife.
In 2005, the location was classified as a Cultural Interest Asset (BIC) by the Canary Islands Government, with the designation of Archaeological Zone. The cave is also renowned for the discovery of a secondary individual burial within a crevice.
Recently, this group of concerned amateur archaeologists discovered a box containing ceramics, obsidian, and bone fragments of indigenous origin, among other artefacts, at the site. However, these discoveries are now at risk due to an individual who engages in georeferencing of Canarian indigenous remains and shares this information on social media platforms despite it being prohibited, as explained by García.
Over the past two years, they have faced a significant issue with geocaching, a highly invasive trend where participants use GPS on their mobile phones to hide and find boxes containing objects. This activity involves leaving geolocators inside archaeological sites, with participants leaving their mark through graffiti on walls or placing artefacts in strategically positioned boxes. This poses a threat to heritage sites and contravenes current regulations.
The matter has been brought to the attention of the Cabildo’s Heritage Unit, which subsequently reported it to Seprona on April 3, the same day the complaint was lodged, according to island sources.
García highlighted the urgency for public authorities to employ all available resources, including security forces, to combat the detrimental practice of geolocating archaeological sites, citing the severe consequences.
