On the northwest coast of La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain), archaeologists have discovered a unique artifact — a completely preserved ceramic vase dating back to the 13th-15th centuries. The find was made in a cave next to human remains, which indicates its possible ritual significance, Arkeonews reports.
The discovery was made as part of the Proyecto Occidente project, aimed at studying the past of the Benajoarit people — the indigenous inhabitants of La Palma. The vase was found by archaeology student Lourdes Baroso, after which the find was handed over to specialists.
Project co-director Francisco Caamaño emphasized the uniqueness of the artifact:
“Whole ceramic vessels are a great rarity. Usually, only fragments are found. Preserving the vase in its original context allows us to better understand the customs of the Benajoarites.”
The analysis confirmed the funerary context of the find. According to Jorge Pais, head of the Historical Heritage Department of the Cabildo of La Palma, the value of the find is that it was preserved in situ, which helps to more accurately interpret the cultural significance of the object.
Benajoarite ceramics are known for their rounded shapes, wide necks and smooth surfaces. They were used both in everyday life – for storing and preparing food, and in rituals, including funerary ones.
Archaeologists note that such finds allow us to obtain a “snapshot” of cultural practices that are difficult to reconstruct from fragments. For researchers, the Tijarafe vase has become a rare opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the traditions and lifestyle of the first inhabitants of the island.
