Unearthed 14 years ago at Nankuan Borough Archaeological Site in Tainan City’s Southern Taiwan Science Park, the remains of the animal are believed to represent the earliest evidence of canine domestication in Taiwan.
SMA Director Wu Hsiu-tzu said the careful interment of the canine reveals the profound bond between humans and dogs as early as the Neolithic age. “The Nankuan dog buried in a curled-up position as if waiting for its master. This indicates they enjoyed a relationship of companionship rather than ownership.”
According to Wu, the skeleton of the canine and its tomb belong to the Dabenkeng culture. Spanning the west coast of Taiwan and outlying Penghu islands, it is one of the region’s earliest Neolithic cultures.
Nankuan dog, along with a sizable collection of animal remains, specimens and related artifacts, will be on display at the SMA until May 18, 2015. The show offers rare insight into the lives of prehistoric humans in Taiwan through their relationships with animals. (YHC-JSM)
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