Människans bästa vän? : En jämförelsestudie om relationen mellan människa och hund i det mesolitiska Skateholm

Sammanfattning

This thesis examines the relationship between humans and dogs in the Stone Age at Skateholm by analyzing 17 dog and child graves and their associated grave goods. It explores how burial practices reflect human-dog relationships and whether dogs were treated similarly to humans in death. The study is grounded in human-animal relationship theory, a part of zooarchaeology, to understand the social role of dogs in Mesolithic society. A comparative approach is used, analyzing 9 dog graves and 8 child graves to highlight similarities and differences in treatment. The findings show that many dogs were buried with items such as grave goods and ochre, indicating a significant bond with humans. However, not all dogs received the same care—some were buried with minimal offerings or as sacrifices. In conclusion, the thesis reveals that the relationship between humans and dogs at Skateholm was complex, with varying degrees of care, reflecting the diverse social and cultural connections between humans and animals during the period.