From Archaeology Magazine Online
It makes a point about canine symbolism. Can the Goddess be far behind???
Reported at portugalnews.com
8,000-year-old dog tomb ‘significant’ find
9/7/2011
Archaeologists have discovered an unprecedented 8,000-year-old dog tomb – the oldest in southern Europe – in a shell mound near the Portuguese town of Alcaçer do Sal.
Project co-director Mariana Diniz told Lusa News Agency the find held “significant importance” because previously there had been no such sign of ancient “canine symbology” in southern Europe, in contrast to northern parts of the continent.
“Eight thousand years ago [southern] communities domesticated dogs, an animal with an economic role, but also a symbolic one”, Ms. Diniz said.
“The ritual burial of dogs was done with care, not just any way, with special significance”, she added of the find.
Lisbon’s National Museum of Archaeology has dispatched a specialist team to the site to consolidate and remove the tomb for conservation and future public display.
The find was made by archaeologists from Lisbon University and the Spanish University of Cantabria.
TPN/Lusa
Edition: 1120
Showing posts with label dog burial. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog burial. Show all posts
Friday, July 8, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Prehistoric Dog Lived, Died Among Humans - Very Interesting Wolf Burial
From Discovery
Remains of the Husky-like dog, buried 7,000 years ago in Siberia, suggest people saw it as a thinking, social being.
By Jennifer Viegas
Mon Feb 28, 2011 10:10 AM ET
Burial remains of a dog that lived over 7,000 years ago in Siberia suggest the male Husky-like animal probably lived and died similar to how humans did at that time and place, eating the same food, sustaining work injuries, and getting a human-like burial.
"Based on how northern indigenous people understand animals in historic times, I think the people burying this particular dog saw it as a thinking, social being, perhaps on par with humans in many ways," said Robert Losey, lead author of a study about the dog burial, which has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology.
"I think the act of treating it as a human upon its death indicates that people knew it had a soul, and that the mortuary rites it received were meant to ensure that this soul was properly cared for," added Losey, an associate professor of anthropology at the University of Alberta.
For the study, Losey collaborated with excavation director Vladimir Bazaliiskii and researchers Sandra Garvie-Lok, Mietje Germonpre, Jennifer Leonard, Andrew Allen, Anne Katzenberg, and Mikhail Sablin. Bazaliiskii found the buried dog at the Shamanka cemetery near Lake Baikal, Siberia.
"Just like the humans in the cemetery, the dog was buried with other items, (such as) a long spoon made of antler," Losey said.
The dog was carefully laid to rest lying on his right side in a grave pit that, at other levels, also contained five partial human skeletons.
DNA and stable isotope analysis determined the animal was indeed a dog and that he ate exactly what humans at the site consumed: fish, freshwater seal meat, deer, small mammals, and some plant foods.
The canine's life, as well as that of the people, wasn't easy, though.
"The dog's skeleton, particularly its vertebrate spines, suggests that it was repeatedly used to transport loads," Losey explained. "This could have included carrying gear on its back that was used in daily activities like hunting, fishing, and gathering plant foods and firewood. The dog also could have been used to transport gear for the purposes of relocating settlements on a seasonal basis."
Additional fractures suggest the dog suffered numerous blows during its lifetime, possibly from the feet of red deer during hunting outings. The researchers cannot rule out that humans hit the dog, but its older age at burial, food provisions, and more suggest otherwise.
From the same general time period, the scientists also found a wolf burial at a site called Lokomotiv near the Irkut and Angara rivers in Siberia.
The wolf, which did not consume human-provided foods, appears to have died of old age. Its remains were found wrapped around a human skull. There is no evidence the wolf interacted with the person when alive.
"Perhaps the burial of the wolf with the human head placed between its feet was done to send the spirit or soul of the wolf with this particular human to the afterlife, perhaps as its protector," Losey said.
Susan Crockford, adjunct professor of anthropology at the University of Victoria and author of the book "A Practical Guide to In Situ Dog Remains for the Field Archaeologist" (2009), told Discovery News that she was "surprised to see the description of the wolf/human internment," she added. "That is definitely unusual."
Crockford isn't supporting any particular interpretation of the burials just yet, however, since she said, "There can be many reasons for the ritual treatment of dogs, including ones we might never imagine."
Remains of the Husky-like dog, buried 7,000 years ago in Siberia, suggest people saw it as a thinking, social being.
By Jennifer Viegas
Mon Feb 28, 2011 10:10 AM ET
"Based on how northern indigenous people understand animals in historic times, I think the people burying this particular dog saw it as a thinking, social being, perhaps on par with humans in many ways," said Robert Losey, lead author of a study about the dog burial, which has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology.
"I think the act of treating it as a human upon its death indicates that people knew it had a soul, and that the mortuary rites it received were meant to ensure that this soul was properly cared for," added Losey, an associate professor of anthropology at the University of Alberta.
For the study, Losey collaborated with excavation director Vladimir Bazaliiskii and researchers Sandra Garvie-Lok, Mietje Germonpre, Jennifer Leonard, Andrew Allen, Anne Katzenberg, and Mikhail Sablin. Bazaliiskii found the buried dog at the Shamanka cemetery near Lake Baikal, Siberia.
"Just like the humans in the cemetery, the dog was buried with other items, (such as) a long spoon made of antler," Losey said.
The dog was carefully laid to rest lying on his right side in a grave pit that, at other levels, also contained five partial human skeletons.
DNA and stable isotope analysis determined the animal was indeed a dog and that he ate exactly what humans at the site consumed: fish, freshwater seal meat, deer, small mammals, and some plant foods.
The canine's life, as well as that of the people, wasn't easy, though.
"The dog's skeleton, particularly its vertebrate spines, suggests that it was repeatedly used to transport loads," Losey explained. "This could have included carrying gear on its back that was used in daily activities like hunting, fishing, and gathering plant foods and firewood. The dog also could have been used to transport gear for the purposes of relocating settlements on a seasonal basis."
Additional fractures suggest the dog suffered numerous blows during its lifetime, possibly from the feet of red deer during hunting outings. The researchers cannot rule out that humans hit the dog, but its older age at burial, food provisions, and more suggest otherwise.
From the same general time period, the scientists also found a wolf burial at a site called Lokomotiv near the Irkut and Angara rivers in Siberia.
The wolf, which did not consume human-provided foods, appears to have died of old age. Its remains were found wrapped around a human skull. There is no evidence the wolf interacted with the person when alive.
"Perhaps the burial of the wolf with the human head placed between its feet was done to send the spirit or soul of the wolf with this particular human to the afterlife, perhaps as its protector," Losey said.
Susan Crockford, adjunct professor of anthropology at the University of Victoria and author of the book "A Practical Guide to In Situ Dog Remains for the Field Archaeologist" (2009), told Discovery News that she was "surprised to see the description of the wolf/human internment," she added. "That is definitely unusual."
Crockford isn't supporting any particular interpretation of the burials just yet, however, since she said, "There can be many reasons for the ritual treatment of dogs, including ones we might never imagine."
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Dog(s) Guarded Treasure Hoard
Sacrificed dogs - this kind of story drives me nuts! But people of different times and different cultures have other sensibilities about dogs as pets and faithful companions. Suffice to say that on more than one occasion my dogs ate - and I did not.
From thisisleicestershire.com
Loyal dog still guarding coins after 2,000 years
By tim healy
26 January, 2011
Archaeologists have pieced together the remains of a 2,000-year-old guard dog whose spirit is believed to have protected a hoard of treasure.
The skeleton, which is about the same size as that of a retriever or Alsatian, was discovered in a pit at the site of an Iron Age shrine in Hallaton, near Market Harborough.
Experts think the animal was sacrificed and buried to protect the Hallaton Treasure – a collection of more than 5,000 gold and silver coins.
The hoard was discovered a decade ago and is now housed in a gallery at Harborough Museum.
The dog's skeleton, which was pieced together by experts from the University of Leicester's archaeological services, will go on show at the museum for the first time on Saturday.
Vicki Score, the university's project manager, said: "The Hallaton site is surrounded by a boundary ditch.
"The skeleton of the dog was discovered at the entrance to the site, buried in a slot in the ground.
"We believe it was bound and sacrificed and buried to guard the coin offerings. It was in an awkward position, looking at the hoard."
Mrs Score said the archaeologists had pieced together most of the skeleton, which dates back to between AD1 and AD50.
"Unfortunately, the back legs are missing," she said. "They could have been ploughed away."
She said the skeleton was buried on top of the remains of another dog and there was evidence of a third.
Mrs Score added: "It may be it was felt the previous guard dog had lost its power to protect.
"It would have been considered an honour for the dog, which was probably quite old, to be sacrificed in this way." [What - they can't tell the age of the dog from the bones they used to 'reconstruct' it? If they know enough about dog physiology to be able to reconstruct a dog skeleton, shouldn't they be able to hazard a guess as to the age of the dog when it was killed?]
The dog bones will be housed in a case in the entranceway to the Hallaton Treasure Gallery, imitating the location of the dog burial at the shrine.
David Sprason, Leicestershire County Council's cabinet member for adults and communities, said: "It is fitting that the remains of this dog be reunited with the magnificent objects from the Hallaton Treasure and find a new home at the award-winning Harborough Museum.
"The dog's story is yet another intriguing aspect of this nationally-important find and illustrates the special relationship between humans and dogs that has existed for thousands of years." [Yeah, the poor dogs seem to get the short end of that relationship, more often than not!]
From thisisleicestershire.com
Loyal dog still guarding coins after 2,000 years
By tim healy
26 January, 2011
 |
| The skeleton of one of the dogs guarding the Hallaton Hoard |
The skeleton, which is about the same size as that of a retriever or Alsatian, was discovered in a pit at the site of an Iron Age shrine in Hallaton, near Market Harborough.
Experts think the animal was sacrificed and buried to protect the Hallaton Treasure – a collection of more than 5,000 gold and silver coins.
The hoard was discovered a decade ago and is now housed in a gallery at Harborough Museum.
The dog's skeleton, which was pieced together by experts from the University of Leicester's archaeological services, will go on show at the museum for the first time on Saturday.
Vicki Score, the university's project manager, said: "The Hallaton site is surrounded by a boundary ditch.
"The skeleton of the dog was discovered at the entrance to the site, buried in a slot in the ground.
"We believe it was bound and sacrificed and buried to guard the coin offerings. It was in an awkward position, looking at the hoard."
Mrs Score said the archaeologists had pieced together most of the skeleton, which dates back to between AD1 and AD50.
"Unfortunately, the back legs are missing," she said. "They could have been ploughed away."
She said the skeleton was buried on top of the remains of another dog and there was evidence of a third.
Mrs Score added: "It may be it was felt the previous guard dog had lost its power to protect.
"It would have been considered an honour for the dog, which was probably quite old, to be sacrificed in this way." [What - they can't tell the age of the dog from the bones they used to 'reconstruct' it? If they know enough about dog physiology to be able to reconstruct a dog skeleton, shouldn't they be able to hazard a guess as to the age of the dog when it was killed?]
The dog bones will be housed in a case in the entranceway to the Hallaton Treasure Gallery, imitating the location of the dog burial at the shrine.
David Sprason, Leicestershire County Council's cabinet member for adults and communities, said: "It is fitting that the remains of this dog be reunited with the magnificent objects from the Hallaton Treasure and find a new home at the award-winning Harborough Museum.
"The dog's story is yet another intriguing aspect of this nationally-important find and illustrates the special relationship between humans and dogs that has existed for thousands of years." [Yeah, the poor dogs seem to get the short end of that relationship, more often than not!]
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Mummified Dogs Uncovered at Peruvian Pyramid Complex
This story reminds me of the old practice found in Europe and the ancient Middle East of burying dogs in the foundations of buildings.
From physorg.com
Mummies of 15th century dogs discovered in Peru
November 10, 2010
Peruvian archaeologists have discovered six mummified dogs, all dating from the 15th century and apparently presented as religious offerings at a major pre-Columbian site just south of Lima.
The dogs "have hair and complete teeth," said Jesus Holguin, an archaeologist at the museum in Pachacamac, located some 25 kilometers (15 miles) south of Lima.
Holguin told AFP Wednesday that experts were still trying to determine their breed.
The mummified remains of four children were also found at the site, archaeologists said.
The mummified dogs were found two weeks ago wrapped in cloth and buried in one of Pachacamac's adobe brick pyramids.
Archaeologists believe the animals were offerings related to a funeral, "although we do not know if this was related to an important personality of the Inca period," said archaeologist Isabel Cornejo.
The experts believe the dogs are neither Hairless Peruvian Dogs -- an ancient native breed -- nor sheepdogs found at gravesites of the Chiribaya culture, which flourished in southern Peru between the years 900 and 1350.
"Their strong teeth lead us to believe that they are domestic dogs that were used for hunting," added another expert, Enrique Angulo.
Researchers will x-ray the finds in an attempt to determine the breed of the animals and whether the dogs were slaughtered.
Pachacamac museum director Denise Pozzi-Escot said that the find will let researchers broaden their knowledge of ancient Peruvian canines.
The remains are well preserved due to the type of soil and the dry weather along the Peruvian coastline, where it rarely rains.
At its height, Pachacamac was the most important ceremonial center on Peru's central coast, where thousands of pilgrims flocked from afar bringing rich offerings. Human sacrifices took place at the site.
At least three different societies occupied Pachacamac for hundreds before the Incas took it over around 1400. The Incas in turn were defeated by Spanish conquistadors who arrived in 1532.
(c) 2010 AFP
From physorg.com
Mummies of 15th century dogs discovered in Peru
November 10, 2010
Peruvian archaeologists have discovered six mummified dogs, all dating from the 15th century and apparently presented as religious offerings at a major pre-Columbian site just south of Lima.
The dogs "have hair and complete teeth," said Jesus Holguin, an archaeologist at the museum in Pachacamac, located some 25 kilometers (15 miles) south of Lima.
Holguin told AFP Wednesday that experts were still trying to determine their breed.
The mummified remains of four children were also found at the site, archaeologists said.
The mummified dogs were found two weeks ago wrapped in cloth and buried in one of Pachacamac's adobe brick pyramids.
Archaeologists believe the animals were offerings related to a funeral, "although we do not know if this was related to an important personality of the Inca period," said archaeologist Isabel Cornejo.
The experts believe the dogs are neither Hairless Peruvian Dogs -- an ancient native breed -- nor sheepdogs found at gravesites of the Chiribaya culture, which flourished in southern Peru between the years 900 and 1350.
"Their strong teeth lead us to believe that they are domestic dogs that were used for hunting," added another expert, Enrique Angulo.
Researchers will x-ray the finds in an attempt to determine the breed of the animals and whether the dogs were slaughtered.
Pachacamac museum director Denise Pozzi-Escot said that the find will let researchers broaden their knowledge of ancient Peruvian canines.
The remains are well preserved due to the type of soil and the dry weather along the Peruvian coastline, where it rarely rains.
At its height, Pachacamac was the most important ceremonial center on Peru's central coast, where thousands of pilgrims flocked from afar bringing rich offerings. Human sacrifices took place at the site.
At least three different societies occupied Pachacamac for hundreds before the Incas took it over around 1400. The Incas in turn were defeated by Spanish conquistadors who arrived in 1532.
(c) 2010 AFP
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Interesting Dog Burial in Orange County, California
Published: June 10, 2010
Updated: 10:00 a.m.
Prehistoric pet? Dog burial found in O.C.By PAT BRENNAN
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
It might have been a treasured pet, or the victim of traditional destruction of property after its owner's death. The reason for its burial remains a mystery.
But 18 centuries ago, someone carefully positioned the body of a small dog in what was likely a shallow grave in the marshlands of Laguna Canyon, then turned over a stone grinding bowl to cover the animal.
Four years ago, the dog's burial place was discovered by archaeologists keeping watch for artifacts during the widening of Laguna Canyon Road.
On Thursday night, scientists will give a talk on the discovery of the dog burial, among fewer than 10 ever found in Orange County. The talk, hosted by the Pacific Coast Archaeological Society, is free and open to the public.
The dog was a techichi, or "small Indian dog," of a type that was about the size of a terrier and that is now extinct. But the scientists involved in the discovery know little else, including why it was buried at all.
"It might have been just a pet burial," said Paul E. Langenwalter II, a research archaeologist who teaches archaeology at Biola University. "But it could be destruction of property. It was common to kill the dog along with burning or destroying any other personal property upon the death of the owner."
The dog would have had erect ears and tail and stood about 15 inches high at the shoulder. A radiocarbon date places it at about 1,790 years ago, Langenwalter said.
Ancient pet burials are uncommon, he said; fewer than 10 have been found in Orange County, an area rich in Native American artifacts, and only a few dozen are known statewide.
Even more intriguing are the positioning of the dog and the placement of a "cairn" — a rock marker, in this case a large acorn grinding-bowl or metate — on top of it.
"The cairn is rare, and the burial position — having been folded sideways — is entirely new to archaeological knowledge within California,"Langenwalter said.
While dog burials are usually associated with Native American villages, the area where the dog was found likely served only as a frequently used campsite.
Langenwalter, archaeologist Roderick McLean of LSA Associates, Inc., and Joyce Perry, an Acjachemen scholar and manager for the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, will give a talk on the find at the Irvine Ranch Water District, 15600 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine, beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Updated: 10:00 a.m.
Prehistoric pet? Dog burial found in O.C.By PAT BRENNAN
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
But 18 centuries ago, someone carefully positioned the body of a small dog in what was likely a shallow grave in the marshlands of Laguna Canyon, then turned over a stone grinding bowl to cover the animal.
Four years ago, the dog's burial place was discovered by archaeologists keeping watch for artifacts during the widening of Laguna Canyon Road.
On Thursday night, scientists will give a talk on the discovery of the dog burial, among fewer than 10 ever found in Orange County. The talk, hosted by the Pacific Coast Archaeological Society, is free and open to the public.
The dog was a techichi, or "small Indian dog," of a type that was about the size of a terrier and that is now extinct. But the scientists involved in the discovery know little else, including why it was buried at all.
"It might have been just a pet burial," said Paul E. Langenwalter II, a research archaeologist who teaches archaeology at Biola University. "But it could be destruction of property. It was common to kill the dog along with burning or destroying any other personal property upon the death of the owner."
The dog would have had erect ears and tail and stood about 15 inches high at the shoulder. A radiocarbon date places it at about 1,790 years ago, Langenwalter said.
Ancient pet burials are uncommon, he said; fewer than 10 have been found in Orange County, an area rich in Native American artifacts, and only a few dozen are known statewide.
Even more intriguing are the positioning of the dog and the placement of a "cairn" — a rock marker, in this case a large acorn grinding-bowl or metate — on top of it.
"The cairn is rare, and the burial position — having been folded sideways — is entirely new to archaeological knowledge within California,"Langenwalter said.
While dog burials are usually associated with Native American villages, the area where the dog was found likely served only as a frequently used campsite.
Langenwalter, archaeologist Roderick McLean of LSA Associates, Inc., and Joyce Perry, an Acjachemen scholar and manager for the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, will give a talk on the find at the Irvine Ranch Water District, 15600 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine, beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday.
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