Archaeology, ethnography and mitochondrial genetics of the extinct Polynesian dog : a select annotated bibliography

Abstract

The dog filled an important niche in pre-contact Pacific societies: companion, object of affection and scorn, source of food and clothing, and prized possession. Archaeological and ethnographic evidence suggests that the dog was present throughout much of the Pacific before European contact, with substantial populations recorded in New Zealand and Hawaii. Studies at the University of Auckland demonstrated the potential for mtDNA variation in the Polynesian rat (Rallus cxulans) to provide information on pre-European human migration through the Pacific. A recent attempt to do the same using mtDNA variation in the Polynesian dog was hampered by the lack of easily accessible information. This bibliography aims to collate archaeological and ethnographic resources relating to the Polynesian dog in the Pacific. Ancient DNA and mitochondrial DNA studies on the Polynesian rat and Pacific pigs are also included. References discussing the use of ancient DNA in archaeological studies are also provided. This bibliography contains 191 resources published between 1868 - 2002. It is divided into six sections: Excavation records, ethnographic records, ancient DNA and archacolog}. ancient DNA methodolog}. ancient DNA studies in Oceania and ancient DNA studies or the dog. For ease of access records arc further divided into geographic regions: New Zealand. Polynesia. Micronesia and Melanesia. Journal articles, theses and dissertations proved to be the most useful sources of information. Most of the resources in this bibliographv were published between 1970 and 1997. Mam earlier articles did not discuss archaeological finds of dog in enough detail to be included in this bibliography.