First records of pre-Colonial dogs in Central Chile

Abstract

In recent years, skeletal remains of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) have been discovered in Chile, revealing their wide geographic distribution during pre-Colonial times, along with their presence in agropastoral and maritime hunter-gatherer societies. However, despite these records, there is still no conclusive evidence for the existence of domestic dogs in Central Chile. This study reports canid remains recovered from a midden in the Los Nogales archaeological site (Aconcagua Valley, Valparaíso Region), associated with horticultural societies. The primary objective was to determine whether these specimens belonged to domestic dogs or a wild species. Through morphological analysis of hemimandibular fragments and teeth (NISP= 9; NMI= 2), we identify the presence of C. familiaris. Additionally, we provide a radiocarbon date and characterize the phenotype, diet (δ13Ccol, δ15N, δ13Cap), provenance (δ18O), and inferred the probable functions of this findings. The radiocarbon date places these dogs in a pre-Inca age of 780 ± 20 years 14C BP. These were young individuals, with a body mass ranging from 11-15 kg. The diet of one specimen was primarily terrestrial and vegetarian, with a focus on Zea mays foods, similar to that of contemporary humans. The δ18O value of this dog is also consistent with a life cycle around the Aconcagua Valley. While their exact functions could not be established, they were likely used as an occasional food source. Finally, this paper presents the implications arising from the pre-Colonial presence of C. familiaris in Central Chile.