Zanata Stone facts for kids
The Zanata Stone
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| Location | Archaeological Museum of Tenerife (Tenerife, Canary Islands) |
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| Type | Guanche Tifinagh stele |
| Dedicated to | Guanche Berber religion |
The Zanata Stone (in Spanish: Piedra Zanata), also called the Zenata Stone, is a small stone tablet with special carvings. Experts believe it was made by the Guanches. They were the first people to live on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
This interesting stone was found in 1992. It was discovered near a mountain called Montaña de las Flores, which means "Mountain of the Flowers." This area is in a town called El Tanque, located in the northwest part of Tenerife.
Contents
What the Zanata Stone Looks Like
The Zanata Stone has a carving that looks like a fish. It also has special letters carved into it. Rafael Gonzalez Antón, who used to be in charge of the Archaeological Museum of Tenerife, said these letters look like Tifinagh.
Understanding Tifinagh Letters
Tifinagh is an ancient alphabet. It came from an even older writing system called Libyco-Berber script. Today, the Tuareg people, who live in parts of North Africa, still use a form of Tifinagh. This suggests a connection between the Guanches and other Berber groups.
The Stone's Special Meaning
The Zanata Stone seems to have been important in the traditional beliefs of the Guanches. It might have been used for magical or religious purposes. It shows how the Guanches connected with their spiritual world.
Who Were the Zanata Guanches?
Some of the Guanches living in Tenerife were also known as Zanata or Zenete. This name meant "those with a cut tongue." The Zanata Stone is now kept safely at the Archaeological Museum of Tenerife, which is in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. You can visit the museum to see this unique piece of history.
See also
- Cave of Achbinico
- Church of the Guanche People
- Guanche mummies
- Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania
- Stone of the Guanches
