Centro Alfarero "Casa las Miquelas"

Situated in the town of Candelaria on the island of Tenerife, the Centro Alfarero "Casa las Miquelas" stands as a dedicated centre for the preservation and revival of traditional Canarian pottery. Housed in a historic building that dates back to the early 20th century, this pottery workshop is intrinsically linked to the cultural heritage of the Guanches, the aboriginal people of the Canary Islands, who practised ceramics as early as the 5th century BC. Throughout the centuries, the pottery skills of the island’s inhabitants have been passed down through generations, enduring colonial influences and the profound transformation of local society following the Spanish conquest in the 15th century. The centre derives its name from "Las Miquelas", a local family renowned for their expertise in pottery during the 19th and 20th centuries, who played a pivotal role in sustaining these ancient craft traditions despite the challenges brought by industrialisation. Casa las Miquelas today showcases authentic techniques, using locally sourced clay and manual shaping methods without the aid of a potter’s wheel, reflecting time-honoured Guanche methods recorded in historical accounts as early as the chronicles of the 16th century. Visitors have the opportunity to observe the meticulous process of shaping, drying and firing earthenware, much as it would have been done hundreds of years ago. The centre also preserves valuable artefacts and documents pertaining to the history of ceramics in Tenerife and regularly hosts exhibitions on pre-Hispanic pottery, significant archaeological discoveries, and the evolution of ceramics following the pivotal events of 1496, when the final Guanche mencey (king) surrendered to the Castilian forces. By safeguarding these traditions and promoting public education about the rich pottery heritage of Candelaria, Casa las Miquelas is a unique institution, offering invaluable insights into both the daily life and artistic expression of Tenerife throughout its diverse history.