1k-year-old dingo bones show that it was injured, cared for, and ritually buried
7 hours ago
- #Human-Animal Bonds
- #Cultural Heritage
- #Indigenous Archaeology
- An ancient dingo burial dating back 963-916 years along the Darling River reveals deep bonds between Barkindji people and dingoes, treated as valued community members.
- The dingo was intentionally buried in a midden, where people continued to deposit river mussel shells for centuries, marking a scientifically documented post-death 'feeding' ritual.
- The male dingo showed healed injuries, like a broken leg and ribs, likely from a kangaroo kick, indicating it survived with prolonged care from the Barkindji community.
- Barkindji Elders guided the excavation, including smoking ceremonies, and the remains were later returned to Country, honoring cultural and spiritual connections to land and ancestors.
- The findings challenge previous assumptions, showing dingoes were tamed, lived closely with people, and were deeply embedded in daily life and rituals across generations.