The Wise Women of Fuerteventura – Tamonante and Tibiabin

Stories and legends have been passed down through generations in Fuerteventura, blending history with myth. Some have been written in historical records, while others have evolved over time through storytelling.

Learn about Tamonante and Tibiabin, the wise women of Fuerteventura, and the legend of their prophecy before the arrival of European conquerors.This story is based on early chronicles and oral traditions recorded after the conquest.

One of the most fascinating tales is that of the two wise women of Fuerteventura, believed to date back to a time just before the European conquest in the early 15th century. In those days, the island may have been known as part of the “Fortunate Isles,” and its people lived under a tribal system where women could hold significant influence.

At the centre of this story are a mother and daughter, Tamonante and Tibiabin, who were said to hold positions of great importance within Majo society.

Mother and Daughter

According to early accounts, Tamonante was responsible for justice. She settled disputes and made decisions that affected the wider community, acting as a figure of authority across the island.

Her daughter, Tibiabin, was believed to possess spiritual powers. She acted as a priestess, leading ceremonies and rituals, and was said to have the ability to foresee events. Many regarded her as a divine or mystical figure.

Together, they formed a powerful combination of leadership and spirituality, guiding their people in both practical and symbolic ways.

The Prophecy

The story tells that one day, the two tribal leaders, Guise and Ayose, sought out the wise women to learn what the future held for their lands.

As part of a ritual, a young goat was sacrificed, and its entrails were examined in order to interpret signs and messages. Through this process, Tibiabin delivered a prophecy.

She foretold that powerful people would soon arrive by sea in “white houses,” and advised that they should not be feared or resisted. Instead, she urged the leaders to welcome them peacefully, suggesting that their arrival would bring benefits to the island.

The prophecy was not well received. Both rulers returned to their territories uneasy and unconvinced by what they had heard.

Arrival from the Sea

Not long after, ships arrived on the shores of Fuerteventura carrying the Norman explorer Jean de Béthencourtand his forces.

Their intentions quickly became clear. They sought control of the island and its resources, and conflict soon followed.

Despite some early resistance and local victories, the islanders were ultimately outmatched by the better-equipped European forces. Throughout this time, Tamonante and Tibiabin are said to have warned that misfortune would follow if their advice was ignored.

Photo: Artists depiction of Jean de Béthencourt

The Fall of the Kingdoms

The leaders Guise and Ayose continued to resist, but eventually both were defeated.

According to the story, they came to believe that their downfall was a result of ignoring the prophecy of the wise women. In the end, they surrendered, marking the beginning of a new era for the island.

Although Tibiabin had predicted prosperity, the reality was very different. The new rulers took control of the land and its resources, and the island was placed under foreign rule.

The Fate of the Wise Women

In the aftermath, the people of the island began to turn against Tamonante and Tibiabin, blaming them for what had happened.

Tibiabin is said to have been captured during later raids along the coast, taken away from the island as a prisoner.

For Tamonante, the loss of her daughter was too much to bear. According to legend, she walked to the edge of a ravine near Betancuria and threw herself into the void.

Legend or History?

Like many ancient stories, the tale of Tamonante and Tibiabin sits somewhere between history and legend. Today, the story of Tamonante and Tibiabin remains one of the most powerful legends of Fuerteventura, blending history, belief and mystery.

Whether every detail is true or not, the story reflects the importance of spirituality, leadership and belief within early Majo society. It also offers a powerful glimpse into how the island’s people may have tried to understand the dramatic changes brought by the arrival of outsiders.

Today, the story of Tamonante and Tibiabin remains one of the most powerful legends of Fuerteventura, blending history, belief and mystery and one of the most intriguing and enduring legends of Fuerteventura.

Learn more about the history of Fuerteventura

An article by local historian, Bernie Power, with The Voice Fuerteventura