Kazakh scientists have created a comprehensive database of ancient dog breeds
The ethno-zooarchaeological study on the role of the wolf and the dog in Kazakhstan’s ancient and modern culture, conducted by Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) scientists, resulted in the creation of a database of ancient dog breeds.
According to the Kazakh Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the research involved analyzing dog remains from various historical periods found during archaeological excavations. Notable findings include greyhound remains from sites such as Derkum 1 (Eneolithic period), Turgen 1 (4th to 3rd centuries B.C.), Sortobe (8th century A.D.), Arna (12th century A.D.), Kastek (11th to 12th centuries A.D.), Bozok (11th to 12th centuries B.C.), and Kultobe (18th to 19th centuries B.C.).
The research team is ongoing with their exploration of new petroglyphic images of greyhounds in the Almaty, Zhambyl, and Kyzylorda regions. Their work aims to further understand the historical ethnography of greyhounds and the cultural significance of dogs in the Kazakh worldview.
At the proposal of KazNU scientists, Kazakh dog breeds, specifically the tazy and tobet, have been added to the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage and the National Brand of Kazakhstan.
Additionally, the team is working on a collective illustrated scientific book and a museum exhibition focusing on ancient and modern canine species of Kazakhstan and Central Eurasia.(Source:astanatimes)
