General Aztecs Maya Tocuaro Kids Contact 19 Mar 2024/2 Death
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Dr. Raúl Macuil Martínez

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Sleeping Aztec dog model

IN THE NEWS: ancient dogs

Archaeologists in Peru have uncovered the mummified remains of more than 40 dogs buried with blankets and food alongside their human masters, according to a BBC News Report (23/9/06) (Written/compiled by Ian Mursell/Mexicolore)

Picture from BBC report: click on BBC story below to see enlarged image
Picture from BBC report: click on BBC story below to see enlarged image

‘Experts say the dogs’ treatment in death indicated the belief that the animals had an afterlife. Such a status for pets has only previously been seen in ancient Egypt.’ In fact the Aztecs and other peoples from pre-Hispanic Mexico believed very much in an afterlife for dogs...

Picture from National Geographic report by Dody Fugate
Picture from National Geographic report by Dody Fugate

Recent research from south-west United States (2008) suggests that the practice of burying dogs as divine ‘escorts’ was far more widespread among ancient Americans than previously thought - indeed: ‘The earlier the [human] burial, the more likely you are to have dog in it,’ according to Dody Fugate, an assistant curator at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico, who conducted the research.

More on Aztec dogs

BBC News feature on mummified Peruvian dogs
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Mexicolore replies: Many thanks for your encouragement and support - and for the very telling information you’ve contributed!