The term "Guanche" comes from "Guan Achinet," meaning "man of Tenerife." It strictly designates the indigenous inhabitants of this island, to be distinguished from populations on other islands of the archipelago. Their origins are linked to Berber peoples of North Africa, with settlement estimated between the first millennium before our era and the beginning of our era, though this dating remains debated.
Guanche society was structured into nine kingdoms called menceyatos, each led by a mencey. Collective life was organized notably around tagoros, assemblies where decisions were made and justice administered. Their worldview was based on a marked spiritual dimension, with Achamán as the supreme deity, while Guayota embodied an evil force associated with Teide, called Echeyde in their cosmology.