Archaeologists working in Tijarafe, on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, have unearthed a rare intact ceramic vessel dating back to the 15th century, at the time of the Castilian conquest. The discovery is considered one of the most important archaeological finds in the region in recent years.
La Palma, the northwesternmost island of the Canaries, was originally inhabited by the Auaritas, one of the Indigenous Guanche groups. When the Crown of Castile began its conquest of the archipelago, many of the island’s inhabitants were enslaved, killed, or died from European diseases. This period is often regarded as an early example of colonial genocide, setting a precedent for later colonization in the Americas.
The vessel was found in 2024 in the Cueva de Las Jimenas, located within the Barranco de Los Gomeros near the neighborhood of El Jesús. The cave, used for centuries by local populations and identified as a funerary site, contained layers of material spanning several phases of Indigenous ceramic traditions. This artifact belongs to Phase IVb, the predominant ceramic style during the time of the conquest. Unlike most Guanche pottery, which was typically undecorated or marked with simple fingernail impressions, this vessel stands out for its ornate decoration and excellent preservation.
Because complete vessels are very rare—most finds consist of fragments—the discovery was kept confidential while experts devised a careful plan for recovery. The piece was lodged in a difficult-to-access part of the cave, partly trapped by stones that had caused fractures and threatened its stability. To minimize the risk of damage, a professional team carried out the extraction on August 11, 2025.
The recovery required meticulous planning. Restorer Salomé González Rodríguez played a key role in consolidating the fragile areas before removal. Once transferred to a temporary workshop, the vessel underwent detailed documentation, cleaning, and stabilization treatments, all carried out using reversible methods to preserve its authenticity.
The find has been described as an exceptional addition to La Palma’s archaeological heritage, not only because of its integrity but also because of its decorative features, which appear unusual compared to other known examples. Specialists suggest these may reflect either local variations or the persistence of earlier traditions, though more analysis is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
This vessel is now under the custody of the Ayuntamiento de Tijarafe, where it will continue to undergo restoration and scientific study, including ceramic analysis and photogrammetry. A documentary was also produced to show the recovery process.
Local officials view the discovery as a landmark for the municipality. They stressed that such initiatives not only deepen knowledge of Indigenous roots but also strengthen collective identity and cultural pride.
More information: Tijarafe City Council
