Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre

In the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of the Canary Islands, lies a cultural gem that offers a captivating journey through time and nature: the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre. Housed in the historic neoclassical building of the Old Civil Hospital, this museum is a must-visit for anyone keen to delve into the rich archaeological and natural history of the Canary Islands.

The History of the Museum

The Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre, inaugurated in the mid-1990s, is an integral part of the Autonomous Organization of Museums and Centers of the Cabildo of Tenerife. The museum's headquarters, a splendid example of neoclassical architecture, was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1983. This historic building, once the Old Civil Hospital, now serves as a repository of the island's cultural and natural heritage.

The museum boasts the largest collection of artifacts related to the Guanche culture, the indigenous people of Tenerife. It is renowned globally for its exceptional preservation and display of mummified human remains, making it a reference point for mummy conservation worldwide. The Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre is also considered the most important museum complex in the Macaronesia region, which includes the Azores, Madeira, and Cape Verde.

The Archaeological Museum of Tenerife

The Archaeological Museum of Tenerife, one of the three main scientific bodies that make up the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre, was founded in 1958. Initially, it incorporated collections from various local institutions and private collections. In 1994, the museum moved to its current location in the Old Civil Hospital building.

The museum's first director, Luis Diego Cuscoy, played a pivotal role in consolidating the archaeological and human remains from Tenerife's prehistory into a single collection. Over the decades, the museum's collection has grown to include artifacts from other geographical areas, such as the Sahara, African ethnography, and Pre-Columbian American archaeology. The collection is particularly noted for its Guanche mummies and funerary artifacts, offering a unique glimpse into the ancient world of the Canary Islands.

The Guanche Mummies

One of the museum's highlights is its impressive collection of Guanche mummies and other mummified remains. These include the mummy of a young woman found in the Barranco de Badajoz, a male mummy from La Orotava, and a child mummy wrapped in goat skins discovered in the Barranco del Infierno. The museum also houses several mummified body parts, such as a forearm, a foot, and various skulls, some of which were repatriated from Argentina.

The mummies are displayed alongside other archaeological artifacts, including Guanche pottery, Roman and Aegean amphorae, and the enigmatic Zanata Stone, a rock inscribed with Punic-Berber characters. These exhibits provide a fascinating insight into the funerary practices and daily life of the Guanche people.

The Institute of Canary Bioanthropology

Established in 1993, the Institute of Canary Bioanthropology is dedicated to the study of the biological and anthropological characteristics of the Canary Islands' population, both past and present. The institute's research encompasses paleobiology, forensic anthropology, and the study of living populations. It also plays a crucial role in preserving and studying the region's bioanthropological heritage.

The institute's collection includes a wide array of preserved animals, such as birds, reptiles, and mammals, as well as fossils of prehistoric animals that once inhabited the Canary Islands. Notable specimens include fossils of the giant lizard Gallotia goliath, the giant rat Canariomys bravoi, and the giant tortoise Centrochelys burchardi. Visitors can also see fossils from other parts of the world, including trilobites and a tooth from the extinct Megalodon shark.

The Natural Sciences Museum of Tenerife

The Natural Sciences Museum of Tenerife, founded in 1951, focuses on the conservation, research, and dissemination of the natural history of the Macaronesian archipelagos. The museum's extensive collections include paleontological, marine, botanical, entomological, and terrestrial vertebrate specimens, all meticulously preserved and displayed.

The museum also boasts the most comprehensive natural history library in the Canary Islands, making it an invaluable resource for researchers and enthusiasts alike. The exhibits provide a detailed overview of the region's geological, floral, and faunal diversity, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Special Projects and Exhibitions

One of the museum's most notable initiatives is the Cronos Project, launched in 1992. This ambitious research project, conducted in collaboration with prestigious national and international scientific institutions, focuses on the bioanthropological study of the Guanche mummies. The project includes a global exhibition of mummies, the organization of the First World Congress on Mummy Studies, and the establishment of the Institute of Canary Bioanthropology.

The museum has also participated in major international exhibitions, such as the Great Exhibition on Mummies in Granada in 2010. This exhibition featured mummies from various civilizations and geographical regions, showcasing the diversity of ancient funerary practices worldwide.

In conclusion, the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre is not just a museum; it is a gateway to the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Canary Islands. Its extensive collections, cutting-edge research, and engaging exhibits make it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Whether you are a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious about the world, this museum offers a fascinating and educational experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation of the wonders of nature and the ingenuity of ancient civilizations.