Guanche mummy of Madrid facts for kids

The Guanche mummy of Madrid is a very old mummy from the Canary Islands. It belonged to a man from the ancient Guanche people. Today, you can see this amazing mummy at the National Archaeological Museum of Spain in Madrid, Spain.

This mummy is in fantastic condition! Experts believe it is from the 12th or 13th century AD. The man was about 30 to 34 years old when he died. Many people think this is the best-preserved Guanche mummy in the entire world. His teeth are all there and look very healthy. He also has reddish-brown hair and his hands don't show signs of hard physical work.

Scientists used a special scan called a CT scan on the mummy. This scan showed something surprising! The man's internal organs, like his brain, were still inside. This is interesting because some old stories said the Guanches removed organs when they mummified people.

Where the Mummy Was Found

The mummy was discovered in a place called Barranco de Herques. This is a valley in the south of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. It's located between the towns of Fasnia and Güímar.

How It Came to Madrid

The mummy arrived in Madrid in the 1700s. It was a special gift for King Charles III of Spain. First, it was kept in the Royal Library. Later, it moved to the National Museum of Anthropology. The mummy was even shown at a big event called the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1878!

Since December 2015, the mummy has been permanently displayed at the National Archaeological Museum of Spain. It is a main attraction in the part of the museum that shows the history of the Canary Islands.

Efforts to Return the Mummy

Since 1976, leaders from the Government of the Canary Islands and the Cabildo de Tenerife have tried to bring the mummy back home to Tenerife. So far, they haven't been successful.

About the Mummy

Here are some interesting facts about the Guanche mummy:

• Gender: Male
• Age: Around 30 to 34 years old
• Culture: Guanche (ancient people of the Canary Islands)
• Mummification Type: This was a special ceremonial mummy.
• Burial Place: It was found in a burial cave.
• Discovery Location: Barranco Herques, Tenerife.
• Current Location: On display at the National Archaeological Museum of Spain.
• Special Fact: Many consider it the best Guanche mummy ever found!

See also

In Spanish: Momia guanche de Madrid para niños

• Guanche mummies of Necochea
• National Archaeological Museum of Spain