Canine Proxies for Native American Diets

Elizabeth S. Chilton, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Nikolaas J. van der Merwe, University of Cape Town
Ninian Stein, Harvard University
Kimberly Oakberg Allegreto, Brandeis University

Abstract

Staple isotope analysis of human bone is the most direct way to assess the level of maize consumption in the ancient North American diet. However, destructive analysis of human remains is often neither possible nor advisable because of NAGPRA and the concerns of native peoples. Recent studies indicate that dogs may serve as proxies for human diets. In this paper we discuss the results of stable isotope analysis of seven dogs from northeastern North America, dating to the Woodland and Contact periods (A.D. 1000-1700). Expanding this preliminary study will shed much needed light on prehistoric maize horticulture in New England.