The Enigmatic and Enchanting Bond Between Humans and Dogs
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Chapter 1: The Dawn of Domestication
In the arid landscape east of the Tigris River in Iraqi-Kurdistan lies Tell Surezha, an ancient settlement that dates back approximately 7,000 years, marking a pivotal transition from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age. Archaeological efforts at this site, ongoing since 2013, have yielded significant insights into early human behaviors and societal evolution.
In 2019, Max Price, a zooarchaeologist from MIT, examined a collection of bones from the site, provided by his colleagues at the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute. One structure, characterized by its charred mud-brick walls, contained various artifacts, including ancient seals and a large assortment of animal bones. While many bones belonged to domesticated animals like sheep and pigs, the sheer number of dog and wolf bones stood out. Cuts and burn marks indicated that these animals were not only companions but also a food source for ancient peoples.
Price's curiosity led him to investigate the role of dogs as food, diving into the academic discourse surrounding cynophagy—humans consuming dogs. He discovered that, despite some references, the topic was largely overlooked. "Discussing the consumption of dogs is often avoided, influenced by contemporary taboos in Western culture," he remarked.
This video, "Stories from the Stone Age: The Domestication of the Dog," delves into the historical context of how the bond between canines and humans was formed.
Perri, a zooarchaeologist from the University of Durham, emphasizes the unparalleled utility of dogs in human societies. "Dogs offer numerous benefits simultaneously, unlike any other domesticated animal," she notes. This evolving relationship not only transformed dogs into the creatures we recognize today but also influenced human cultural advancements.
Section 1.1: The Complexity of Human-Dog Relations
Many are drawn to the notion that dogs were domesticated solely to serve as loyal companions. Price, however, asserts that the reality is far more intricate. Long before the domestication of livestock, ancient hunter-gatherers began taming a now-extinct wolf species. The consensus among researchers is that dogs were the first domesticated animals, but the specifics surrounding their domestication—timeframe, location, and methods—remain subjects of debate.
Research suggests that the domestication process began over 15,000 years ago, potentially in various regions such as Europe, East Asia, or the Middle East. The last ice age, specifically between 27,000 and 19,000 years ago, played a critical role during this period, as hunter-gatherers navigated shifting climates and scarce resources.
In "Mankind The Story of All of Us: Domesticating the Dog," the video explores how early humans began to forge a relationship with dogs, highlighting the mutual benefits of this partnership.
Section 1.2: From Companions to Partners
The dominant theory of canine domestication holds that wolves scavenged for food near human settlements, gradually becoming less fearful and more integrated into human lives. Another perspective suggests humans may have raised wolf pups in their camps. In both scenarios, the relationship evolved, benefitting both species as they adapted to each other's presence.
As this partnership flourished, wolves gained a reliable food source, while humans leveraged dogs for hunting, thereby enhancing their capabilities. Dogs played a crucial role in tracking prey, allowing humans to pursue challenging game more effectively.
Chapter 2: The Multifaceted Roles of Dogs
By the time of the ancient Mesopotamians, around 7,000 years ago, the presence of domesticated dogs was widespread. Price's research, published in the Journal of Field Archaeology, indicates that dogs held various roles in ancient societies—from companions to ritual participants.
For instance, records indicate that dogs were utilized in hunting boar, and by 2000 B.C., certain cultures even engaged in ritual sacrifices involving dogs. Dogs were not only integral to daily life but also intertwined with spiritual practices, emphasizing their multifaceted nature.