Mongolian nomads and their dogs

Abstract

Wolves have always been attracted to the presence of humans and their settlements because they represent a possibility of obtaining food, especially in cold seasons. In Mongolian regions, the survival of nomads and their livestock can be seriously compromised by the lack of strong dogs to protect their campsites fromwolves. Indeed, it can be said that "pastoralism of the steppes" could not exist without domesticated dogs. The bond between people and dogs is an important and complex aspect of the history of humankind. It is possible to assume that people began to domesticate dogs very early on, as recent archaeological data shows. However, it is very difficult to understand the dynamics that made dog domestication possible, as well as to identify the roles and functions of dogs in prehistoric times and to interpret the archaeological data In this light, an ethnoarchaeological approach is a valuable research strategy that can provide useful interpretative models for archaeology and the history of pastoralism. Therefore, to observe and to study Mongolian nomads, who still have a traditional lifestyle and who constantly deal with wolves, is an exceptional opportunity. In fact, it can help to comprehend the past and present of both people and dogs.