Ancient Dingo Received Ritual Care for Centuries

Why this is here: The Barkindji people added river mussel shells to the dingo’s burial site for nearly 500 years after its death, suggesting a sustained and deliberate honoring of the animal.

Archaeologists in New South Wales, Australia, unearthed the remains of a dingo buried roughly 916 to 963 years ago. The male dingo, nicknamed “garli” by the Barkindji people, lived to be between four and seven years old. He showed healed injuries—broken ribs and a leg—suggesting he survived after being kicked by a kangaroo with help from people.

Following the dingo’s death, the Barkindji ancestors deliberately buried him in a new riverside midden. For about 500 years after, they added river mussel shells to the burial site. Researchers believe this practice functioned as a “feeding” ritual to honor the animal and maintain a connection to their ancestors.

The team worked with Barkindji custodians throughout the excavation and analysis. They note that while the practice of adding shells demonstrates a strong, enduring relationship, the full extent of the dingo’s role in Barkindji society remains open to further investigation. The Barkindji community continues to recognize the dingo as a totem today.