Archaeological excavations near Krauschwitz, Germany, have unveiled remarkable artifacts, including 4,500-year-old bags adorned with dog teeth. These bags, discovered during the construction of the SuedOstLink power transmission line, were found buried with elite women and infants, shedding light on Neolithic motherhood and social status. The finds, overseen by the State Office for Monument Preservation and Archaeology of Saxony-Anhalt, provide a glimpse into a complex cultural landscape that dates back millennia. The bags, likely used as baby carriers for upper-class mothers, featured intricate designs made from hundreds of carefully arranged canine teeth, remaining well-preserved despite the organic material having decayed over time.

According to reports, each bag required around 350 teeth for full decoration, indicating their significance as status symbols among a sophisticated elite. These bags measured approximately 30 centimeters long and 20 centimeters high, emphasizing their substantial and decorative nature. The dogs used for these accessories were medium-sized, similar to today’s Small Münsterländer. It is suspected that they were specifically bred for this purpose and killed young to harvest their teeth.

This suggests a dedicated and resource-intensive breeding program aimed at fulfilling the artistic demands of the elite class. Moreover, the archaeological context suggests these bags may have served as baby carriers, as skeletal remains of infants found nearby support this theory. The design likely enabled infants’ legs and heads to protrude, further protected by fine cloth. Evidence of additional embellishments, such as a scarf lined with dog molars, highlights the intricate childcare practices of elite families.

These findings reflect an ongoing cultural narrative in the Krauschwitz region, which features continuous habitation over thousands of years, revealing the social dynamics and cultural practices of ancient European communities. The discovery of such elaborately crafted bags is a testament to the sophistication of Neolithic society and its intricate social hierarchies.