1,000-year-old burial reveals close bonds between people and dingoes
A recent archaeological study in New South Wales revealed a 1,000-year-old dingo burial, highlighting the close relationship between ancient Aboriginal Australians and dingoes. The Barkindji ancestors treated the dingo with the same care as a human, indicating a deep bond with the animal. This discovery suggests that the traditions of caring for dingoes were more widespread among Aboriginal communities than previously understood.
- ▪The dingo was buried in a mound of shells with care and ceremony.
- ▪Generations of Barkindji people tended to the dingo's grave for centuries.
- ▪The dingo showed signs of having been well-cared-for, including healed injuries and worn teeth.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Can I pet that dog? Australian Aboriginals cared for a dingo’s grave for decades For some ancient Aboriginal Australian communities, dingoes were part of the family. Kiona N. Smith – May 18, 2026 2:37 pm | 0 Archaeologists and Barkindji custodians worked together to excavate the dingo burial. Credit: Barb Quayle Archaeologists and Barkindji custodians worked together to excavate the dingo burial. Credit: Barb Quayle Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav A thousand years ago, the ancestors of today’s Barkindji people carefully buried a dingo (or garli, in the Barkindji language) in a mound of shells. Archaeologists recently studied the burial in what’s now New South Wales, Australia.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Ars Technica — Science.
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