Inicia con éxito el ciclo cultural ‘Entre Vitrinas’ del Museo Arqueológico de Fuerteventura
Full house in the first session led by archaeologist Verónica Alberto, who brought the past of Maxorata to attendees through the study of bone remains
The Archaeological Museum of Fuerteventura successfully launched the cultural cycle ‘Between Display Cases: Archaeology and Heritage Education’, which reached full capacity and had the participation of 40 people in a first visit where human remains took center stage. Under the title ‘The Memory Held in Bones’, attendees explored the skeletal remains preserved in the museum display cases and learned about the life stories of the ancient inhabitants of the island, as well as their mortuary practices and daily life.
The activity was conducted by archaeologist Verónica Alberto Barroso, from Tibicena. Archaeology and Heritage, who guided a tour among the display cases housing the human remains of the first inhabitants of Fuerteventura. During the session, the specialist in bioanthropology explained how these vestiges allow us to understand the biology, diseases, diet, physical activities, and interpersonal relationships of the ancient settlers, among other aspects.
“We have shown the public how these types of testimonies allow us to delve into the lives of these people who came before us and how their legacy has relevance in today’s society. It is about knowing the past to better understand the present and our identity as individuals and as a community,” highlighted the archaeologist.
The session was interactive, with questions and interventions from the audience, enriching the experience. “These activities not only allow us to learn about archaeology but also to reflect on the role of museums and how each person perceives and feels about them,” added Verónica Alberto.
The cultural cycle has also been an opportunity for children and young people, who discovered how bones can provide key information through advanced bioanthropological techniques, such as microscopic analysis of organic remains or the study of DNA and carbon 14.
“The excitement that a museum can evoke in a person, especially in childhood, can shape their life. When I was young, a visit to a museum impacted me so much that I decided to become an anthropologist. It is essential to foster children’s interest in these spaces, as they are places to enjoy, learn, and connect with the past,” concluded the specialist.
The cultural cycle continues
The Minister of Cultural Heritage, Rayco León, highlights a project that aims to promote the archaeological heritage of the island, foster heritage education, and analyze the survival of the ‘majo’ people in today’s society.
The ‘Between Display Cases’ program will return on March 20 with the visit ‘Anatomy of the native ceramic vessels of Fuerteventura’, led by archaeologist María Antonia Perera Betancor. This session will analyze the 137 vessels exhibited in the museum, highlighting their shapes and decorative signs to understand the production and reproduction of the aboriginal population.
On April 10, the visit ‘From excavation to display case’ will be held, led by archaeologists Marco Moreno, Valentín Barroso, and Rosa López. The archaeological context of the displayed materials and their use in the daily life of the ancient inhabitants of Fuerteventura will be addressed, emphasizing the importance of excavation and analysis of material remains.
On May 15, ‘Survivals: An Ancestral Culture’ will be presented, where various experts and artisans will explain how some current traditions and practices have their origins in the aboriginal culture of Fuerteventura, allowing us to understand how these elements have endured over the centuries.
The cycle will conclude on June 26 with ‘Back Home’, a guided tour by Carmen del Arco and Mercedes del Arco, curators of the homonymous exhibition. This session will analyze the history of archaeological materials from Fuerteventura that were taken off the island since the late 19th century and their current process of recovery.
