The strange appearance of the caves that comprise the vast Cenobio de Valeron archaeological site in the Canary Islands confused Spanish colonists and early scholars. They mistook the odd-looking site on Gran Canaria for a pre-Hispanic monastery. And although the true purpose of Cenobio de Valeron is said to be more worldly than spiritual, even today people marvel at the unique appearance and history behind the rock-hewn caves volcano by the hands of the indigenous people on the island.
Early attempts to interpret Cenobio de Valeron
The 350 spaces were cut into volcanic rock above a valley on the island now known as Gran Canaria before the Romans connected with the indigenous people. Those holes were still in use when the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 15th century. But outsiders had no idea what those spaces were used for.
The Spanish wrote that towers surrounded the caves, and they believed that the rooms at the site were used by the indigenous people as convent rooms, where young noble women lived with their concubines. celibate monks, keep their virginity until marriage. The term “cenobio” means monastery. And although the true purpose of building communal granaries would be discovered later in history, the idea of monasteries persisted for several centuries.
Large rock outcrop where people dug caves and caves. Credit: Ioannis Syrigos
The earliest reference to the archaeological site of Cenobio de Valeron comes from an 18th-century text written by historian Pedro Agustin del Castillo, who describes his visit and shows how the monastery’s beliefs remained still in existence:
“Once I went to the district of Guia, a place called La Dehesa, and two prominent local gentlemen who were with me asked if I would like to see an ancient monastery high above the Valeron valley. Two horsemen led me to the place and we made a dangerous ascent. I must admit that I was surprised to see structures carved into the rock face using sedimentary axes or flint hoes attached to sticks, as metal tools were unknown at the time. . A large arch carved into the mountainside leads into a long hallway with many small rooms evenly spaced on both sides. Some are on top of others and each has windows. On either side of the entrance are two towers that can be sealed from the inside, with windows overlooking the deep valley below.”
“Ancient chronicles tell of the existence of vestal virgins living in a monastery in vast caves. I was shown such a place, located high on the side of a hill. Tired and sweaty, I took photos of the interior. It consists of countless stacked niches cut into the rock. Some are small and others are larger that would not accommodate an adult body. Unfortunately, ignorant treasure seekers caused considerable destruction.”
“High on the slopes of the Valeron valley, in Gran Canaria, a grand portico leads into a vast complex with small rooms cut into the rock on both sides. Pedro del Castillo claims that each chamber had windows overlooking the valley and that there were two towers with internal steps in front of the cave. However, when we visited the site in 1827, accompanied by our sadly missing friend PB Webb, we saw no sign of the others.”
The caves of Cenobio de Valeron. Credit: Ioannis Syrigos
Switch from religion to economics
But by the 20th century, historians had rejected the idea that Cenobio de Valeron was a monastery. When the size of the niches and the nature of the site’s features were closely examined and compared with similar sites in Gran Canaria and northern Africa, it was decided that this was a grain depot. giants of the ancient Canary people. When all the silos, rooms, caves and alcoves are added up, there are more than 350 storage spaces available at Cenobio de Valeron. It was a major feat to hew the rock and create the grain storage high on the valley wall, where it was hidden and practically inaccessible before roads and accesses were built.
But this location offers good defense against raids by neighboring villages and pirate attacks – something extremely important to locals because food stores like this was the primary goal and agriculture was the backbone of their economy, with grains being the most important food in their dietary approach. Keeping their barley and to a lesser extent wheat in silos in a common location kept the grain safe from looting and also made it easier for the high priest to redistribute food in times of drought, plague or famine.
The niches at Cenobio de Valeron were used to store grain. Credit: Ioannis Syrigos
Historians believe that each family had to pay some grain as tribute or tax, and some scholars believe that the donation was recorded by a seal on the wet mortar used to seal the door. cover the space where their seeds were placed. However, this theory, based on comparisons with grain stores in North Africa, has never been confirmed archaeologically and appears to contradict the idea that grain is an offering and not personal property.
How did the ancient Canary Islanders store their grain and where did it grow?
The storage space occupied the entire available surface area on the walls and floors of the Cenobio de Valeron and it is believed that in addition to cereals, other products, such as dried figs, could also have been kept in the cave Caves, as well as pottery and tools such as grinding stones, pestles and mortars, were used to make flour.
It is unclear exactly how the seeds are preserved. In most cases, it appears that grain was simply placed straight into the silo, although the remains of pottery and baskets may indicate that these recipients were also used. The dome is 30 meters (98.43 ft.) wide and 25 meters (82.02 ft.) high, providing good natural shelter and the temperature and humidity make it a good spot. for grain storage.
The grains probably came from Vega de Guia-Galdar, one of the most fertile regions on the island, with good soil and a favorable climate. They can also be produced along the coastal plain at the foot of these hills, where stone houses exist.
Grain silos at Cenobio de Valeron. Credit: Ioannis Syrigos
How were the grain silos built at Cenobio de Valeron?
To build grain silos, the ancient Canarians cut volcanic rock with stone and wooden tools, the only materials they had available. The interior walls are smoothed and rounded to make pouring and pouring seeds easier. Cracks and jagged edges are also removed to avoid grain loss.
Many of the silos also have entrances that lead into a circular room with independent shops that appear to be closed. Notches cut around the entrance can be used to hold doors or lids. Those doors were sealed with ash mortar to prevent insects from entering. And this mortar can still be seen in some silos, also used to fill cracks and holes. Steps are cut into the rock to access different levels. Scaffolding and wooden ladders were probably also used.
Grain silos at Cenobio de Valeron. Credit: Ioannis Syrigos
Other archaeological features of the Cenobio de Valeron
In addition to the many silos at Cenobio de Valeron, there are three caves which, due to their shape and size, are not suitable for storing grain. They are similar to dwelling caves found at other locations on the island and were probably occupied by keepers. Idols, paintings and pottery have been found in the caves.
Several habitation caves are also found near the Cenobio de Valeron, La Presa caves and caves in the area itself. But the settlement most closely associated with the site is the stone house village on the coast of San Felipe, formerly known as Layraga.
In addition to the residential caves, several funerary caves have also been discovered in the valley near Cenobio de Valeron. These include the Hormiguero, Morro, Lapa Morros de Lapa and Cuesta de Silva caves. All are small, self-contained natural caves and partially hidden by dry stone walls. The bodies were found with the remains of reed mats wrapped in them, but no grave goods were found.
An unusual archaeological feature, known as Tagoror del Gallego, was found on top of the hill where Cenobio de Valeron is located. It offers a panoramic view of the northwest of the island and lies on a par with La Atalaya or Galdar hill, where other archaeological features and unused remains have been found.
