Trends and Traditions in Southeastern Zooarchaeology

5. The Dogs of Spirit Hill: An Analysis of Domestic Dog Burials from Jackson County, Alabama

· 105 · 5 The Dogs of Spirit Hill An Analysis of Domestic Dog Burials from Jackson County, Alabama Renee B. Walker and R. Jeannine Windham The phenomenon of burying dogs is an ancient and global practice that dates back to at least 10,000 years ago at the site of Ushki-1, in Siberia (Morey 2006), although the domestication of dogs dates back to over 30,000 years ago, as evidenced by sites such as Goyet in Belgium (Germonpre et al. 2009) and Razboinichya Cave in Siberia (Ovodov et al. 2011). In the Americas, the earliest remains of domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are from Danger Cave in Utah (circa 9,000–10,000 years ago) (Grayson 1988), and the earliest intentional dog burials are from the Koster site in Illinois (circa 8,500 years ago) (Morey and Wiant 1992). The practice of intentionally burying dogs continued in the Americas for many millennia , with perhaps a peak during the Middle and Late Archaic periods, particularly in the southeastern United States, as indicated by the Green River shell sites in Kentucky (Carlson Annis, Indian Knoll, Read) (Webb 1946, 1950a, 1950b) and sites in Middle Tennessee (Fernvale, Hermitage Springs) (Peres et al. 2013), Alabama (Dust Cave, Perry) (Walker et al. 2005), and others (Morey and Wiant 1992; Warren 2004). In many cases, the dogs were buried either directly with or adjacent to human burials at these sites. Many studies have been conducted on the underlying reasons for the burial of dogs with humans or by themselves, and most researchers conclude that it is indicative of the deep, social bond between humans 106 · Renee B. Walker and R. Jeannine Windham and dogs within the socioeconomic framework of the community (Morey 2010; Schwartz 1997; Walker et al. 2005; Warren 2004; though see Claassen 2008, 2010 for alternative interpretations of human/dog relationships). Spirit Hill Dogs Spirit Hill is a multicomponent site located in northeastern Alabama with occupations ranging from the late Middle Woodland through the Mississippian period. There is clear evidence that this site served as a domestic space, as evidenced by the identification of house structures, storage pits, and hearths. The semipermanent nature of the site is indicated by the sizeable adjacent cemetery, which includes 284 human burials and 29 dog burials. The 29 dog burials from Spirit Hill were recovered during Phase III excavations of the site (Wettstaed and Windham 2009). Of the 29 total dogs recorded, 4 were directly buried with humans and unavailable for study beyond initial field and cursory laboratory observations. The dogs were associated with the range of occupations at the site, including late Middle Woodland to Late Woodland, Late Woodland, and late Middle Woodland to Mississippian periods. The canid skeletons were analyzed to determine the following: burial position and vertebral orientation, age based on tooth eruption and wear and/or epiphyseal fusion, sex by presence/absence of a baculum, presence of any pathologies, and size by calculating shoulder height (Harcourt 1974). Measurements of complete elements follow Von den Driesch (1976). Late Middle Woodland to Late Woodland Four canine burials (9, 12A, 12B, and 16) were associated with the late Middle Woodland to Late Woodland period (table 5.1). These dogs showed few anomalies and were buried singly or with a second canid. Canine Burial 9, located within midden deposits, was identified as an adult individual. The dog was in a flexed position and oriented southeast/ northwest with the vertebral column toward the northwest. This was an adult individual more than 12–18 months of age. The sex could not be definitively determined; however, the well-preserved remains and absence of a baculum suggest a female. Two thoracic and three lumbar vertebrae had extremely curved spinous processes. Analysis of Domestic Dog Burials from Jackson County, Alabama · 107 Table 5.1. Spirit Hill Canine Burials Associated with the Late Middle Woodland to Late Woodland Time Periods Canine burial # Age Sex Pathology 9 12–18 months F? curved spinous processes (thoracic, lumbar) 12A 12–18 months ? none 12B 12–18 months F? curved spinous processes (thoracic), healed rib fractures, possible skinning cut marks 13 12–18 months F? curved spinous processes (lumbar) 22 >12–18 months ? curved spinous processes (lumbar) 23 >12–18 months F? none 26 >12–18 months M healed metapodial, curved spinous processes (lumbar) no observed pathologies or other modifications and appeared to be in overall good health, despite the early age at death. Canine Burial...