Archaeologists and Barkindji custodians uncover rare millennium-old ritual burial near Menindee Lakes
New archaeological evidence uncovered along the Baaka, or Darling River, is shedding light on the deep spiritual and cultural relationship between First Nations people and dingoes dating back more than 900 years.
Researchers working alongside Barkindji custodians have revealed the remains of a male dingo, known as garli in Barkindji language, deliberately buried near the Menindee Lakes in western New South Wales almost a millennium ago.
The discovery was made in Kinchega National Park after erosion exposed the skeleton in a riverside midden site. Archaeologists say the burial showed signs of careful placement and ongoing ceremonial care, with river mussel shells continually added to the site over centuries in what Elders believe was part of a ritual “feeding” practice honouring the garli as an ancestor.
Researchers say this is the first archaeological evidence anywhere in the world showing a burial site being continually “fed” in this way over generations.
Radiocarbon dating found the dingo was buried between 963 and 916 years ago. Analysis also showed the animal lived to an unusually old age for a dingo and had survived major injuries, including broken ribs and a fractured lower leg, suggesting it had been cared for extensively by local people.
The research involved archaeologists from the University of Sydney, the Australian Museum, the Australian National University and the University of Western Australia, working in partnership with the Menindee Aboriginal Elders Council and Barkindji custodians.
Researchers say the findings confirm dingo burial traditions were far more widespread across the Baaka river system than previously understood, highlighting the important role dingoes held within First Nations communities as companions, hunting partners and respected members of society.
The burial was first identified by Barkindji Elder Uncle Badger Bates alongside National Parks and Wildlife Service archaeologist Dan Witter after erosion revealed the remains several years ago. Earlier this year the garli was returned to Country following the completion of scientific analysis and cultural ceremonies.
The study has now been published in the journal Australian Archaeology.
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