Atis Tirma Monument

Before they were conquered by the Spanish in the 15th century, the Canary Islands were inhabited by the Guanche people. Although they left no written records and their society and history is thus greatly shrouded in mystery, many Canarians take pride in being descended from them and carrying on many of their traditions. Exemplary of that is the Atis Tirma Monument in Las Palmas, created by local sculptor Manuel Bethencourt to showcase the indigenous resistance against Spanish rule. This is despite the Canaries continuing to be part of Spain to this day.

This memorial, showing several Guanches tumbling off a cliff, refers to an incident during the conquest of Gran Canaria in 1483. In that year, the last indigenous resistance was being sieged at Ansite after inflicting much damage on the Spanish. When defeat finally came on April 29, King Bentejuí of Telde and his followers chose to leap to their deaths rather than live under foreign rule. His last words are said to be "Atis Terma!" ("Glory to the land!") Despite his loss, Bentejuí is still fondly remembered as a symbol of indigenous heroism and the Canarian identity.