The Archaeological Museum of Fuerteventura has launched a new phase of research to discover what foods the ancient inhabitants of the island stored. Following the positive results of 2024, fourteen pieces from various sites will now be analysed.
The Archaeological Museum of Fuerteventura has begun analysing fourteen ceramic pieces from several sites on the island to further unveil the dietary habits and economy of the Majo people. The research, which started in 2024 with the study of two vessels, has yielded such promising results that it has prompted this second phase.
The analyses, led by researcher Adrià Breu from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, focus on the organic residues adhered to the interior of the vessels. In the first phase, non-dairy animal fat, probably from goat or sheep, was identified, and a food item was dated between the 9th and 11th centuries AD, a milestone in Canarian archaeology.
A window into the daily life of the Majos
The new pieces come from different locations in Fuerteventura, and some retain sediments on their internal surfaces. The aim is to expand knowledge about the livestock farming and resource utilisation practiced by the Majos during over 1,500 years of occupation of the island.
The councillor for Historical Heritage of the Cabildo, Rayco León, has stated that “this research demonstrates how the application of new scientific techniques allows us to continue discovering unprecedented aspects of our past.” He added that “each new finding helps us reconstruct their way of life.”
“Although in recent years we have made significant strides in understanding the Majo people, many questions remain unanswered. Each new finding helps us reconstruct their way of life and better understand how they adapted to such a unique territory as Fuerteventura, and archaeological heritage not only speaks to us of the past but also helps us understand the present and project the future from the knowledge of our roots.”
Cutting-edge techniques for millennia-old remains
Sampling is conducted at the facilities of the Archaeological Museum of Fuerteventura, while the analyses are carried out in specialised laboratories at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, in collaboration with the BRAMS radiocarbon dating laboratory and the Organic Geochemistry Unit of the University of Bristol. Techniques such as gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and isotopic analyses are employed.
For the residents of Fuerteventura, this research represents a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of their ancestors' history. The museum anticipates that the results will be displayed to the public once the analyses are completed, expected in the coming months. In the meantime, the pieces remain in the museum facilities, where they are preserved under optimal conditions.
The Majo culture, predating European conquest, left a legacy of great archaeological value on the island. These studies not only reveal what they ate but also how they organised their economy and adapted to an arid environment. A practical note: those wishing to learn more about the Majo people can visit the Archaeological Museum of Fuerteventura, which exhibits a permanent collection of ceramics and other objects.
You may also like
