Ancient pet cemetery in Peru

Even in ancient Peru, dogs seem to be close friends of humans. Archaeologists found that prehistoric dog lovers built pet cemeteries, wrapped animal bodies in warm blankets, and prepared them for carrying objects to the afterlife.

"These dogs are praised and grateful for their contributions in the family and society. They are not for sacrifice," said anthropologist Sonia Guillen.

Since 1993, researchers have unearthed 82 dog tombs in a pet cemetery, located next to the mummified tombs of the Chiribaya people in the Osmore valley, 869 kilometers southeast of Lima. The Chiribaya were farmers who lived from 900 to 1350 before the Inca Empire dominated.

"We found it in every cemetery, always in the middle of two human tombs, graves for dogs from small to big. They have their own graves and are buried with warm blankets and food , " Guillen said.

In ancient Egypt, dogs were also embalmed
(Photo: nationalgeographic.com)

Guillen, director of the Mallqui Institute for Biological Anthropology in Peru, said dogs during the Chiribaya period were used for sheep shepherds. The group is trying to prove that the Chiribaya dog has descendants that are a purebred South American breed."These shepherd dogs still exist in us today. We have found similar animals in the Peruvian valley and we are investigating whether it is a dog of Chiribaya origin. is not".

MT