Archaeology of Dogs in the Southwest

Archaeologists have examined the bond between dogs and humans through many avenues of research, from the domestication process to the role they played as beasts of burden. Previous research primarily focuses on the utilitarian role dogs played in the community. That being said, much of this research identifies domesticated dogs as hunters, beasts of burden, mousers, refuse disposers, with limited mention of their importance as spiritual guardians and emotional support. These vitally important personal or emotional roles have been underrepresented in archaeological narratives resulting in a lack of analysis on the relationships between humans and dogs. 

To expand our understanding of human and dog interactions from a companionship perspective, we evaluated domesticated dog skeletal remains from the Colorado Plateau, curated at the Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA). Dog skeletal remains have been housed at the Museum for decades, often excavated and curated in the 1950s through 1970s, with limited research. Reexamining these remains within the context of modern zooarchaeological research, allows us to identify the human-dog relationship in the American Southwest.

We examined dog skeletal remains for age, sex, size, mortuary context, and physical pathologies. Through this analysis we discovered two distinct skeletal pathologies on the cranial remains. First, we noted an increased occurrence of healed cranial lesions to the frontal bone, and second, a pattern of extreme wear to the chewing surface of the molar teeth as well as evidence of periodontal disease. Review of veterinary forensics literature reveals that the healed cranial lesions are likely caused by disciplinary actions and not evidence of animal abuse. Human osteological literature illustrates the dental wear is like that observed on humans consuming agricultural products processed with ground stones, suggesting dogs shared the human diet.

Through our research, we argue that past Pueblo dogs of the southern Colorado Plateau were a valued member of the community in which they lived. The archaeological and pathological patterns we observed, support a dynamic companionship between humans and dogs, one that provides a much needed nuance to the diversity of people in our world. 

Tune into “Archaeology of Dogs in the Southwest” with presenters, Chrissina Burke, NAU and Megan Laurich, UNLV on September 23, 2021 at 5:00 – 6:00 pm.

Join the conversation on the Festival Zoom Account and learn how dogs have been human companions for at least 15,000 years! You will gain an understanding of humanity’s complex relationship with dogs and the impact humans may have had on dog health.