Dog Skull (Cranium), Cuween Tomb

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Cuween Neolithic tomb on Mainland, Orkney excavated in 1901 revealed a staggering quantity of 24 dog skulls alongside other dog and human bones. The sheer number of dog remains is nothing short of remarkable. Radiocarbon dating indicates that the dog remains were intentionally placed in the tomb centuries after its construction, dating back to approximately 2600 BC. In 2018, a groundbreaking research project commissioned by Historic Environment Scotland, in collaboration with National Museums Scotland, uncovered significant insights into this skull. A part of the NMS collection, this cranium was meticulously reconstructed using automated photogrammetry by Richard Allen at the University of Oxford. Additional models of the skull were generated through laser and CT scanning. A 3D print from the CT scan produced at HES's Engine Shed conservation centre served as a basis for forensic artist Amy Thornton to reconstruct how the dog likely appeared when alive. Follow the annotations to learn more about this fascinating discovery. For detailed information on Cuween, visit our website.