Risco Caído

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Introduction to Risco Caído

Risco Caído is an archaeological site located in the interior of the island of Gran Canaria, which is part of the Canary Islands, Spain. This site encompasses cave complex numbers 6 and 7 as part of the wider ‘Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria Cultural Landscape’, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. The complex is situated in the municipality of Artenara, within the Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve.

The Discovery of Risco Caído

The cave complex that includes Risco Caído was first discovered in the 19th century by farmer Juan Mayor. Despite the early discovery, significant focus on the site began only in the 21st century. The crucial period for the archaeological work at Risco Caído was between 2004 and 2013, during which the unique nature of the site came to light, propelling it to international significance and ultimately leading to its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.

Archaeological Significance of Risco Caído

The Risco Caído site is remarkable for its troglodyte structures, including dwellings, granaries, and cisterns. These features are indications of the pre-Hispanic occupation and the lifeways of the indigenous people of the Canary Islands, known as the Guanches. Moreover, the caves house exceptional sacred spaces, amongst which Cave 6 stands out due to its astral symbolism. This cave is particularly notable for containing an almogarén – a structure essential for rituals connected to fertility and astral cycles.

The Almogarén of Cave 6

Cave 6 is the centerpiece of Risco Caído’s archaeological significance, as it houses a unique almogarén thought to date back to the period between the 6th and the 10th centuries AD. Equipped with a light aperture in its ceiling, the almogarén in Cave 6 is aligned with the movements of the sun and moon. This alignment allows the cave to be illuminated in a specific way during certain astronomical events, such as the equinoxes. This phenomenon coupled with the cave’s acoustics suggests its use as a place of worship and astronomical observation.

The Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria Cultural Landscape

The Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria Cultural Landscape, which includes Risco Caído, offers a testimony to the ancient cultural traditions of the Guanche people. The landscape comprises an intricate system of paths, cultural sites, and troglodyte settlements that demonstrate the harmonious integration of human activity with the natural environment. Central to this cultural landscape are manifestations of the collective identity of the Guanches, conveyed through the symbolic relationships established between the terrain, the sky, and their spiritual beliefs.

Inscription of Risco Caído as a World Heritage Site

In July 2019, Risco Caído and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria Cultural Landscape were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This recognition brings to light the historical significance of the Guanche civilization and their cultural practices, which combine agricultural, pastoral, and religious activities within one landscape. The UNESCO recognition assures the commitment to the preservation and interpretation of the Guanche culture and the natural environment that has shaped it.

Conclusion

To summarize, Risco Caído is an indispensable archaeological site that provides profound insights into the social and spiritual dimensions of the Guanche people in pre-Hispanic Gran Canaria. The almogarén of Cave 6 is a testament to the advanced understanding of astronomy possessed by the Guanches. The site is also a vital component of the wider cultural landscape, which stands as a unique intertwining of natural beauty and human history, now safeguarded under the UNESCO World Heritage designation. As research continues, Risco Caído is likely to yield even more information about the complex society that once thrived in this region.

Sources:

Wikipedia