Scientists from the Australian National University have discovered that before Australia was colonized by Europeans, its indigenous inhabitants domesticated dingoes, cared for them and treated them almost like humans. The research was published in the journal PLOS One.
The authors of the discovery examined the bones of dingo dogs at the Currakurrang archaeological site south of Sydney. Radiocarbon dating showed that the animals were buried with humans two thousand years ago. Moreover, the burial process and methods were similar to those of humans. Scientists say this reflects the close relationship between humans and dingoes and their near-human status.
The researchers also noted that people were caring for puppies and older dogs aged six to eight years. In addition, the dogs’ severely worn teeth were also found; This suggests that their diet probably consisted of large bones left over from human food.
“These results mark a significant advance in our understanding of the relationship between Australia’s First Peoples and dingoes. The connection between dingoes and indigenous peoples was already strong when Europeans settled Australia. Our study shows that not only the temporary connections recorded during the colonial period, but also long-standing pre-European colonization It shows that there are long-term relationships,” explained co-author Professor Susan O’Connor.
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