Sled Dogs in the Southwest: Fact or Fable?

On Tuesday March 4, 2025, at Catalyst Creative Collective in the Tucson Mall Martin H. Welker (Assistant Professor of Anthropology & Assistant Curator of Zooarchaeology) presented “Sled Dogs in the Southwest: Fact or Fable?” Domestic dogs have become deeply embedded in a variety of specialized roles within human societies, many of which require extensive behavioral and physiological adaptation. In the Southwest, dogs reportedly served as a source of transport labor facilitating trade between the Plains and the Southwest. Dr. Welker will explore the evidence.

Archaeology Café is made possible by BMO.This presentation was a part of Archaeology Southwest's Archaeology Café series. This six-part series, from October to April (skipping January) every first Tuesday at 6 pm (MST), is an informal forum that brings lifelong learners together with experts.

2024-2025 Archaeology Cafe: Dogs!

Unleash your curiosity at the 2024–2025 season of Archaeology Café: Dogs! This season, we’re diving into the fascinating relationship between humans and canines. Join us as we explore this enduring bond across time and cultures.

Experts in archaeology, zooarchaeology, and biology will guide us through six paw-some lectures, covering everything from the role of dogs in past societies to their impact on art, stories, and daily life. Whether you’re a dog lover or just eager to learn, this series will be a real treat!

Join us in person at the vibrant Catalyst in Tucson Mall from October through April (skipping January). Doors open at 5:30 p.m., where you’ll be greeted with charcuterie, libations, and great company—and well-behaved pups are welcome to come, too. Programs start at 6:00 p.m. Can’t make it to Catalyst? Don’t worry! You can still fetch the talks on our YouTube channel a few days later.

Get ready for a barking good time as we learn more about our loyal four-legged companions. Mark your calendars—this is one Archaeology Café season you won’t want to miss!

We’ll see you there—paws and all!

Archaeology Café is made possible by BMO.

Dog sledges of the Mandan Indians. Illustration: Karl Bodme (artist) and Louis René Lucien Rollet (etcher), courtesy of the Library of Congress.