Stone of the Guanches
The Stone of the Guanches also known as Stone of Taganana,[1] it is an engraved stone stele made of red tuff volcanic located in the village of Afur (near Taganana) on the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain).
Characteristics
This archaeological site consists of a structure formed by a stone block featuring large rock carvings on its surface, elevated on three more smaller rocks. The assembly has a similar appearance to a table. This monolithic block is associated with mummification practices of aboriginal Guanches (the mirlado). For this reason the stone is also called Mirlado stone or stone of the Dead.[2] This is a unique element in the context of the Canarian prehistory.
It is located on the coast outdoor area the ravine of Afur.[2] They are engraved on the stone rows of bowls arranged vertically. It also highlights the presence of a representation of the Carthaginian goddess Tanit,[1] represented by a bottle-shaped symbol surrounded by cruciform motifs. The general outline of the monument reminds the form of stelae,[1] such as the runestones. For this reason, it is thought that originally was an altar of sacrifice linked to those found in the Semitic[1] field and then reused for the ritual of mummification.