Signs of ‘feeding’ ritual at dingo burial site shed new light on bond between First Nations people and canines
A millennium-old dingo burial site in Kinchega National Park has revealed a unique 'feeding' ritual practiced by First Nations people. This discovery highlights the deep bond between the Barkindji community and dingoes, which were once considered companion animals. The findings suggest that the burial practices were maintained over generations, reflecting the care and respect the community had for these animals.
- ▪The dingo burial site was dated between 916 and 963 years ago.
- ▪Evidence of a 'feeding' ritual at the site has never been documented archaeologically before.
- ▪The dingo had injuries typical of hunting, indicating it was cared for by the community.
- ▪The burial site was first identified in 2000 and excavated in 2023 after being exposed by roadworks.
- ▪The research indicates that Indigenous dingo burial sites extend further along the Baaka system than previously known.
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Barkindji custodian David Doyle lifts the first bone from a millennium-old dingo burial site in Kinchega national park. Dingoes ‘were a companion animal right up until colonisation’, he says. Photograph: Amy WayView image in fullscreenBarkindji custodian David Doyle lifts the first bone from a millennium-old dingo burial site in Kinchega national park. Dingoes ‘were a companion animal right up until colonisation’, he says. Photograph: Amy WayArchaeologySigns of ‘feeding’ ritual at dingo burial site shed new light on bond between First Nations people and caninesNever documented archaeologically before, evidence points to First Nations people caring for and nursing the animal Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Donna Lu Assistant editor, climate, environment and…
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