Exploring Gran Canaria 

Discovering the Painted Cave of Gáldar

The old aborigines from the nearby African coast arrived over different periods more than 2,000 years ago and developed a unique way of life. The arrival of Europeans led to the disappearance of this indigenous culture, integrating some traditions and relegating many to oblivion.

In 1872, José Ramos Orihuela discovered the Painted Cave while installing an irrigation system. This served as a burial site for mummies and a communal space, likely for religious or judicial purposes. The first scientific investigation was conducted just ten years before I was born.

Hierarchical Society and Agriculture

The aborigines had a hierarchical society with a Guanarteme in political power, a Faycán in religious authority, and a noble assembly. They lived off agriculture, herding, fishing, and gathering. The cave likely had communal significance, and its restoration revealed intact archaeological levels beneath the soil.

Unveiling a Shared Heritage

Recent excavations have uncovered not only the Painted Cave but also a settlement with over 60 houses, allowing us to contextualize the daily lives of the inhabitants from the 6th to the 16th century. Materials like seeds, fish remains, and household items help reconstruct this ancient way of life.

Preserving the Painted Cave

Plans involve building walkways for visitors to see the site and using multimedia elements to recreate house interiors and daily life scenes. The ongoing conservation of the Painted Cave offers a unique glimpse into the lives of Gran Canaria's indigenous people until the arrival of the Castilians.

A Window to the Past

The Painted Cave of Gáldar continues to unfold its secrets, providing a rich heritage that connects us to a world long past yet intimately linked to the present. Who created these intricate paintings, and for whom? This lingering question invites ongoing exploration and discovery.