3,400-Year-Old Ancient Egypt’s Mechanical Dog That Barks and Moves!

Master engineers, innovators, and artisans, the ancient Egyptians produced items that were not only exquisitely crafted but also had religious or ceremonial uses. A mechanical dog that moves, opens its mouth and even seems to bark is one of the many unusual artifacts found from this civilization that leaps out. This remarkable piece, which hails from the reign of Amenhotep III (1390–1352 B.C.) was carved from elephant ivory. It is more than 3400 years old.

An incredible example of ancient engineering, a 3400-year-old mechanical dog from ancient Egypt can move and bark. / Image Credit: Metropolitan Museum of Art.

This unique find currently kept at The Metropolitan Museum of Art provides a fascinating look into the function of dogs in ancient Egyptian culture and the inventiveness of their craftspeople. It is among the most intriguing artifacts from the New Kingdom era due to its complex design and moving jaw mechanism, which begs whether it was intended as a toy a ceremonial object or something else entirely.

Renowned archaeologist Howard Carter, who is best known for discovering King Tutankhamun's tomb, found the ivory sculpture, which measured 7. 2 inches (18. 2 cm) in length. Experts speculate that this mechanical dog was most likely buried in the tomb of an elite person, perhaps a member of Amenhotep III royal court, though the precise location of its burial is unknown.

The dog is depicted in a dynamic pose, its legs extended as though it were jumping. This artifact's movable jaw which was formerly controlled by a tiny lever mechanism that opened and closed the mouth, is its most remarkable feature. It looks like the dog is barking when the jaw is activated because it displays two lower teeth and a red-painted tongue. 

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A metal dowel that was inserted into the figurine's shoulder eventually took the place of the leather cord that most likely operated this mechanism at first. With its realistic fur texture, sleek body, and meticulously carved collar-like lines around the neck, the intricately detailed carving makes it clear that this was a domesticated pet rather than a savage hunting dog.

This was a prestigious item, perhaps belonging to a person of noble status, as evidenced by the use of elephant ivory, a rare and valuable material.

We still don't know exactly what this mechanical dog does. Given its mobility and ability to mimic barking, it's possible that it was a royal child toy. During the New Kingdom era, more elaborately crafted items for wealthy families became available such as interactive figurines, board games and dolls.

God Anubis of Ancient Egypt / Image Credit: Wikimedia

An alternative explanation is that the artifact served a symbolic or ceremonial function. Dogs were frequently connected to the afterlife in ancient Egyptian beliefs, especially through the jackal-headed god Anubis, who was in charge of mummification and escorting souls to the underworld. As a guardian figure or a representation of a cherished pet, some academics suggest that this mechanical dog might have been buried with the deceased to accompany them into the afterlife.

Dogs were also commonly mummified and buried with their owners because of their significant roles in companionship hunting and protection. Perhaps the existence of a mechanical dog at a grave represented the enduring nature of this connection.

The Role of Dogs in Ancient Egypt

Dogs were used for a variety of tasks in Egyptian daily life, from devoted companions to working animals. While some lived as household pets and frequently received ornate funerals similar to their human counterparts, others were trained for hunting and protection.

In the era of the New Kingdom (1550–1070 B.A.) dog collars got progressively more elaborate, some with the dog's name engraved on them. According to archaeological discoveries, ancient Egyptian dog names that translate to expressions like Blackie, Son of the Moon and Good-for-Nothing, demonstrate a close bond between the pets and their owners.

Dogs had religious and symbolic significance in addition to their everyday functions. Their association with death, the afterlife and spiritual defense was strengthened by the jackal-like imagery of Anubis. It was a grave offense to kill a collared dog, and grieving families would often shave their eyebrows in remembrance. Dogs were mummified and included in funerary rites because Egyptians also thought that dogs would meet up with their owners in the afterlife.

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Which Breed Could the Mechanical Dog of Ancient Egypt Be?

The precise breed of the dog shown in this mechanical figurine cannot be identified, but Egyptian art often depicts slender, active dogs with long limbs and large ears. The following are a few of the breeds most frequently seen in New Kingdom carvings and tombs.

• Basenjis: A small nimble hunting dog with a curled tail are renowned for their intelligence and peaceful disposition. 

• Ibizan Hound: A tall streamlined hunting dog that closely resembles representations in Egyptian art.

• Pharaoh Hound: A noble breed thought to have originated from ancient Egyptian dogs, these dogs have a slender frame and a keen hunting instinct. 

These breeds were highly valued for their ability to track prey speed and loyalty, which made them perfect companions for both hunting and domestic life.