MUNA Examines Links Between the Canary Islands and Mexico in ‘Concomitancias’ Exhibit
The Museo de Naturaleza y Arqueología de Tenerife (MUNA) is hosting the exhibit ‘Concomitancias. Legacies, Presence, and Indigenous Futures in Mexico and the Canary Islands,’ which explores the historical and cultural connections between the two regions. The exhibition is part of the XIII MUSA Mexico Festival and will be open until 1 November, with free admission.
José Carlos Acha, Councillor for Culture, Museums, and Sports at the Cabildo de Tenerife, highlighted that the exhibition provides a fresh perspective on the relationship between the Canary Islands and Mexico by encouraging reflections on how their legacies shape identities and understanding of territory. He noted that ‘Concomitancias’ expands dialogue by showcasing knowledge, heritage, and contemporary creation.
The exhibit is curated by Néstor Yanes, head of the Museums of Tenerife’s Communication Unit, and Gloria Godínez, a Mexican researcher and live arts creator based in Gran Canaria. Their diverse viewpoints allow for a multifaceted exploration of the interrelations between the two regions through anthropology, art, and contemporary thought.
One of the key themes is the enduring Indigenous legacy, examined through archaeology, popular faith, art, and contemporary identities. The exhibit draws on the work of Canarian anthropologist Fernando Estévez González, whose views on Indigenous matters as relevant today inspired its transatlantic perspective.
‘Concomitancias’ is divided into six sections: ‘Origins,’ ‘European Acculturation and Syncretisms,’ ‘Trade Routes and Atlantic Revolutions,’ ‘Peripheral Modernities,’ ‘New Centres, New Peripheries,’ and ‘Horizons.’ It also features ‘The Cochineal Path,’ which tells a story connecting the Canary Islands and Mexico through the significance of the cochineal insect in dye production.
The project showcases a collaboration among various cultural and academic institutions in the Canary Islands, drawing on their resources and expertise to create a meaningful dialogue between the two regions. Participating institutions include the Provincial Historical Archive of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the Government of the Canary Islands, and many others.
