At Castillo de Huarmey, an archaeological site on Peru’s northern coast, researchers have uncovered naturally mummified remains of hairless dogs dating back more than 1,200 years, shedding new light on the complex relationships between ancient Peruvians and their canine companions during the Wari Empire era.
- Hairless dog mummies found at Wari Empire site Castillo de Huarmey
- Dogs buried with humans reveal social and cultural significance
- Findings highlight complex human-animal relationships in ancient Peru
What happened
Archaeologists excavating at Castillo de Huarmey, a Wari Empire burial and administrative complex in northern coastal Peru, discovered mummified remains of hairless dogs. These remains date to around 600–1050 CE, predating the Inca Empire by about 400 years. The site itself spans 110 acres and has already yielded important finds related to elite tombs and artisans’ burials.
The dog skeletons and mummies were found alongside human remains, with some dogs buried in ceremonial contexts. Despite some looting and earthquake damage affecting the site’s upper layers, researchers found enough well-preserved material to study these animals’ unusual teeth, diet, and burial arrangements, providing concrete physical evidence of the presence and treatment of these distinctive dogs in ancient Peru.
Why it feels good
These findings enrich our understanding of how ancient societies related to animals, demonstrating that dogs were not only companions but held multifaceted roles, including ritual significance. The discovery of naturally mummified dogs offers a rare, tangible connection to the past, helping us appreciate the long history of human-animal bonds that continue today.
The Peruvian hairless dogs, ancestors of today’s Peruvian Inca Orchid breed recognized by the American Kennel Club, have cultural importance in Peru as a national symbol since 2000. Seeing their ancient counterparts preserved so thoroughly underscores the deep roots of Indigenous culture and animal care extending back over a millennium.
What to enjoy or watch next
For those intrigued by ancient civilizations and their relationships with animals, recent archaeological discoveries at Castillo de Huarmey offer a fascinating window into life in the Wari Empire. Following ongoing excavations could reveal even more about this society’s customs, governance, and daily life, as well as its interactions with domesticated animals like llamas, alpacas, and dogs.
Animal lovers may also enjoy exploring the history of the Peruvian Inca Orchid dog breed, which remains emblematic of Peru’s rich heritage. Exhibitions or documentaries about ancient Andean cultures and their unique pets can provide captivating stories about how humans and animals shaped each other’s histories in enduring ways.