The perch of the last vultures on the island. “Guirre” is what the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnoterus majorensis) is popularly known in the Canary Islands. It is a species of vulture that flew over the skies of Tenerife until well into the 20th century. The abandonment of agriculture, poaching, poisons and, in general, the change…

The Las Vegas pine forest was an important source of raw materials. The magnificent pine forests in the south of Tenerife were tremendously exploited for the wealth contained within the old pine trees. The Canary Island pine became an extraordinary natural resource when the high quality of its inner wood was discovered: tea. This heartwood,…

The hybrons or jibbons came down this way The Canarian term hibrón or jibrón refers to the timbers placed parallel to the pairs of a roof frame to receive the planking. However, on the islands of El Hierro and Tenerife, by extension, it refers to any kind of timber. This nucleus and road probably get…

The legacy of the Canarian fig trees This district of Granadilla de Abona owes its name to one of the most appreciated trees in Canarian agriculture. The presence of the fig tree dates back to aboriginal times, long before the conquest of the islands, as ancient accounts and archaeological studies confirm. Figs played a fundamental…

The Tejal’s house or the Clérigo’s house? This old house is known by two different names: the “Casa el Tejal” and the “Casa el Clérigo”. The former is indicative of the existence of a small artisan weaving industry. Three elements are needed to make roof tiles: water, firewood and suitable soil. The surroundings are rich…

Camels were the driving force of the island’s countryside. The Tejal threshing floor is about 25 metres in diameter and is notable for being carved directly into the volcanic tuff. At some points the hollows were filled in with basalt slabs to complete the necessary smooth surface. It is very likely that camels were used…