Guatimac Guanche Idol

Guatimac Idol: Reconstruction using AI and Archaeology

This post presents two 3D models that pay homage to the Guatimac, one of the most iconic and mysterious figures of the aboriginal culture of Tenerife (Canary Islands).

History and Context

The Guatimac is a small Guanche idol ($6,05 \text{ cm} \times 4,05 \text{ cm}$) found at the end of the 19th century in a cave in Fasnia, Tenerife. According to the research of Juan Bethencourt Alfonso, these pieces were used by the guañameñes (priest-diviners), who wore them hanging from their necks. Its form is associated with the representation of a little owl, a symbol of clairvoyance, reinforced by its etymology (watămak), which means "the one who fixes the gaze".

AI Modeling Process (Meshy)

For the creation of these models, a methodology combining historical documentation with cutting-edge technology has been used:

• AI Modeling (Meshy): The Meshy tool has been used to generate the three-dimensional base from technical descriptions and reference images.
• Visual Sources: The process was nourished by the photogrammetry of the Archaeological Museum of Puerto de la Cruz (MAPC) available on Sketchfab, where the original piece resides.
• Comparative Reconstruction: Visual details from Wikipedia archives and photographs of modern clay reproductions have been integrated to recover features that time's wear has erased from the original stone.

Included Versions

I have prepared two variants to offer different printing experiences:

1. Archaeological Version: True to the current state of the piece in the museum, respecting its natural erosion.
2. Reconstructed Version: An interpretation based on the "little owl" and the original symmetry of the clay idols, with more defined features.

Printing Tips

• Layer height: I recommend 0.12 mm to avoid losing the facial details of the piece.
• Material: Filaments with a stone effect (Stone PLA) or terracotta give it an authentic and ancient look.