Beyond Domestication and Hunting: Exploring Human-Animal Bonds in Medicine

Historically, archaeological studies of human-animal relationships have centred on domestication and hunting (for meat, clothing, or trophies). Domestication, beginning around 10,000 years ago with species such as dogs, cattle, and sheep, represented a transformative shift in human societies. It facilitated the development of agriculture, permanent settlements, and complex social structures. Hunting, conversely, has been a fundamental aspect of human survival since the Palaeolithic times, contributing to the development of tools, social cooperation, and symbolic practices.While these aspects are crucial, they only partially represent the breadth of human-animal interactions. Recent archaeological and ethnographic research underscores the need to explore beyond these traditional confines to uncover the diverse roles animals have played in human societies.This article explores the complexity of past human-animal interactions, emphasizing that these relationships extend beyond domestication and hunting for food. Applying a transdisciplinary approach, it examines the medicinal dimensions of human-animal interaction, using the Nilambur Valley tribes in Kerala, India, as a case study. This study uses contemporary ethnographic data from hunter-gatherer populations as heuristic tools to explore parallels and inform archaeological interpretations, while acknowledging the significant temporal, environmental, and cultural differences between ancient and modern groups.The Nilambur Valley, characterized by its rich biodiversity, is home to more than 30 tribes, including Cholanaickan, Kattunaickan, Kattupaniyan (Paniyan), and Aranadan tribes. These communities, traditionally foragers, exhibit complex and sustainable practices in their interactions with animals. Their use of animal by-products for medicinal purposes, such as elephant tooth for tooth pain and python fat for wound healing, demonstrates a deep knowledge of their environment. Moreover, animals hold significant spiritual and cultural importance, featuring prominently in rituals and traditional practices.This article combines archaeological methods, ethnographic fieldwork, ecological studies, and cultural analyses to offer a comprehensive understanding of human-animal relationships. It underscores the importance of expanding archaeological research to include medicinal and ecological dimensions of animals. By documenting indigenous knowledge and encouraging transdisciplinary collaborations, this article aims to enhance our understanding of past human-animal interactions and promote sustainable relationships with the natural world.