BASENJI
AFRICA DOG
Basenji Information worth knowing
The old Egyptians probably were the first Basenji breeders. Basenjis were much loved family dogs that are recognizable in many depictions probably they are comparable to the ancient Tesem; one can see this in their curled tail. Basenjis also frequently depicted with bells on their collar. This practice still exist today in Africa.
Basenji mother and 3 puppies
Shield inlaid with colored Alabaster. Dogs hunt gazelles.
Hemaka's tomb, Saqqara 1. Dynasty 3000 - 2800 BC
curtesy museum cairo
Depictions of typical Basenji dogs in Ancient Egypt were found in the graves of the great pyramid of Khufu ( Cheops ), built approximately 2700 BC in the IVth Dynasty.
A relief in the grave of Meruka dating to 2400 BC depicts a Basenji Type dog with a kind of Bell Collar
Basenji Type dog with a Bell Collar
Museum Louvre
A basenji - resembling dog is to be seen depicted at the feet of his master on a gravestone of Sebeh - aa from 2300 BC.
A written document ( king letter )
Königsbriefe des Alten Reiches, (Urk. I, 128, 3-131,7) S. 154-155, in: H. Altenmüller und D. Wildung, Studien zur altägyptischen Kultur, Bd. 18, Hamburg 1992 from the 6th dynasty of Pharao Pepi II tells about the transport of a dwarf and the instructions by the expedition leader to pay close attention to the dwarf so nothing happens to him during the journey. The pygmies as divine dancers were held in high cultic esteem for the pharaohs.
Egyptian woman and dancing dwarf Relief of the Seneb tomb
Dwarf with dog
Fotos Armin Heymer Die Pygmäen
Egyptians, a dwarf and 2 Basenjis on the lash
In one travel diary of the only female pharaoh Hatschepsut 1490 - 1468 BC can mention found about dogs that were brought along from the country Punt, the Somalia of today. Were this dogs Basenjis? The description may be right.
On a stone carving from Pharaoh Antefaa II, approximately 2000BC, four dogs were shown. One of them has Basenji characteristics.
Nr. 3 Basenji Type dog
A limestone stele dating 1900 BC shows Renu and Dedet
with a Basenji Type dog sitting under the chair.
Chatsworth House
Limestone stele Approx. 1600 BC
Museum Louvre
In the museum of Cairo there are mummies of Basenji size. There and in many other museums you will find faience and wooden models, which are very similar to Basenji Type dogs found in tombs.
Dog mummy and Cat mummy
bleedingeyeballs.com/basenjiart/dogmummies.htm
A colorful papyrus drawing shows red and white basenji - like dogs with a collar and bell.
A Basenji?
Bilderwelten und Weltbilder der phraonen: Philipp von Zabern Vlg.
Taf. XVI - XVII Drawings in Beni - Hassan, Kom el - Ahman and Theben
Statues and other depictions of this type of dog were found in other structures erected by the pharaohs and wealthy Egyptians. Beloved Pets
Some dog models like Basenjis are painted red and white
Museum Cairo
Basenji figure, dating to1080- 332 BC
Pergamon Museum in Berlin
Near Cairo a cemetery for animals is discovered in 2001 who was established 2,300 years ago. Egyptians used to mummify nearly all animals. In former times archeologists discovered other animal cemeteries and they found dog mummies. They found once more dog skeletons and mummies.
Grave of a woman, beneath a dog grave
Photo Courtesy American research center Egypt
We assume that Basenjis as catlike dogs were in high esteem. The first dog names were documented in Ancient Egypt. Names: BaHaakaa, Mahut, Xalmes, Salekai, Xabesu, Akena etc.
