Archaeological Excavation at Morro Iglesia
Circular Indigenous Structure Discovered
A circular indigenous structure has been uncovered in Morro Iglesia, a site that has intermittently been submerged under reservoir water and will be again once the Chira Hydroelectric Project is operational. Red Eléctrica de España (REE) is finalising archaeological excavations at the Soria dam, as confirmed by sources from the company to Canarias Ahora. Two reporters from this newspaper visited the site on Wednesday morning, 17 September, and witnessed four archaeologists working around a circular structure. The site is undated but is undoubtedly of indigenous origin, according to the same sources.
Context of the Excavation
The archaeological excavation is part of electrical company REE’s work in the Arguineguín ravine, aimed at constructing the Chira Hydroelectric plant. The site was discovered in 2017 by the company’s own technicians and was initially not listed on Gran Canaria’s archaeological map. In August 2021, an environmental impact declaration highlighted the need for a comprehensive excavation of the site, which is now nearing completion.
REE commissioned the archaeological research to Tibicena, a company known for its expertise in the sector. A photogrammetric survey of the structure and its immediate surroundings has been undertaken to document its condition prior to archaeological intervention.
Findings from the Excavation
The wall at the top of the site consists of stones removed from within the indigenous structure by archaeologists. However, they have not discovered significant pre-Hispanic remnants, as “the material record documented so far is quite scarce and very limited,” beyond some lithic industry items and fragments of ceramic vessels. Additionally, no organic remains have been recovered that would facilitate radiocarbon dating.
Evidence of Reuse
Tibicena’s professionals have confirmed the reuse of the structure following the pre-Hispanic period, evidenced by the presence of wall reconstructions. After the initial tasks to create a three-dimensional model of the site “12156 – Morro Iglesia,” archaeologists cleared the stones that filled much of the interior and then defined “the entire outer perimeter of the construction.”
Purpose of the Structure
The specific purpose of this structure remains unanswered at this stage. However, Tibicena is certain that “both the architecture and its archaeological-stratigraphic behaviour are reminiscent of other archaeological sites on the island, such as Altavista (Artenara) or Monteleón (Tirajana), which generally lack archaeological material. Due to the location of these sites, it is unlikely they were suitable for establishing permanent settlements.”
Implications of Future Water Levels
REE has informed this newspaper that the site has been submerged underwater during periods of heavy rainfall. Once the construction of the hydroelectric plant is completed and the Chira and Soria reservoirs fill with desalinated water from the water treatment facility at the mouth of the Arguineguín ravine, the pre-Hispanic structure will be submerged once again.
