Talk Science with AZMNH: Exploring the Many Roles of Archaeological Dogs in the Americas

Domestic dogs have performed many roles in human communities through time, many of which are reflected in changes in their size, shape, and physical proportions. Analysis of archaeological dog remains provides insight into these roles and the ways in which dogs participated in human cultures. In this lecture we will discuss dogs’ use in transportation in the Americas, and their role as a source of fiber for textiles in the Southwestern U.S.

Presented by Dr. Martin Welker, an archaeologist specializing in the analysis of animal bone from archaeological sites (aka zooarchaeology). Originally from northern Utah, Martin completed his undergraduate degree at Utah State University before moving to Pennsylvania for graduate school. Martin currently holds the position of Assistant Curator of Zooarchaeology at the Arizona State Museum at the University of Arizona in Tucson, and serves as an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Arizona. Martin has undertaken research on the role of dogs in past societies, as well as the management of other domesticated animal species in Europe and North America.

This series is sponsored by the Arizona Museum of Natural History Foundation.

Continue the conversation over some food and beverages following the lecture with an optional dinner gathering in Downtown Mesa. Please note that this dinner is not sponsored by the library, and attendees are responsible for covering their own dinner expenses.