Tenerife Conference to Reexamine Ancient Canarian Societies Through Bioarchaeology

Our understanding of pre-Hispanic societies in the Canary Islands is changing. Researchers are moving away from romanticized myths and focusing on hard physical evidence. According to the Canarian Institute of Bioanthropology and the Archaeological Museum of Tenerife, scientists are now using skeletal analysis and archaeological findings to better understand the social structures and conflicts of the islands' ancient inhabitants.

This shift in perspective is the focus of an upcoming conference, "Violence in the Ancient World: The Canarian Aboriginal Context." Held at the Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA) in Tenerife on May 19 and 21, the event coincides with International Museum Day. It aims to move beyond basic history lessons to spark a deeper debate on power, hierarchy, and conflict within indigenous communities, both before and during the European conquest.

Tenerife’s Department of Culture, Museums, and Sports is backing the event to help clear up misconceptions about the island's history. Councilor José Carlos Acha explained that the goal is to provide the public with the tools to think critically about ancient social dynamics, rather than relying on oversimplified views of how these societies were organized.

The conference will feature a multidisciplinary team of bioanthropologists and archaeologists who will share their latest research on physical trauma and power relations found in the archaeological record. The event is designed to be accessible, offering the general public a chance to engage directly with researchers and learn about their cultural heritage firsthand.

Attendance is free, though space is limited. For more information on the topics being discussed or to view the full schedule, please visit the official Museos de Tenerife website.