Large-Scale GIS-Modeling of Dog-Travois Transport Suitability of Landscapes in Western North America

Abstract

This thesis analyzes actual and potential long-distance use of the dog-pulled travois in western North America by developing a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) suitability model. The travois, consisting of a wooden A-frame sled originally pulled by dogs and, later, horses, was widely used across the North American Great Plains to facilitate the transport of supplies and trade goods. However, the absence of archaeological evidence makes it difficult to evaluate imperfect ethnographic data and assess how widespread travois use was, or could have been, in ancient times. Historic and experimental data indicate several shortcomings to travois transport based on the terrain it is being used on and the mass and physiology of the dogs used to pull it. Archaeological, historical, and experimental accounts of travois performance are reviewed to model the topographical and ecological limitations of travois-assisted transport. Limitations include, but are not restricted to, the slope (terrain) over which travois can be hauled, the temperature at which the draft dogs become unproductive and overheat, and the effectiveness of travel over specific types of vegetation. GIS modeling is used to assess the large-scale suitability of terrain for travois travel based on these projected limiting factors, and to calculate least-cost paths between select locations on the Great Plains and Intermountain West. Finally, the models produced by these analyses are compared with existing research on travois use and long-distance exchange in the western US to assess concordance with current evidence, elucidate gaps in ethnographic data, and generate predications for regions of possible dog-facilitated travois use. Beyond the enhancement of the limited available ethnographic accounts, this exploratory thesis provides guidance for future investigations of domestic dog use; especially as a template for detailed site-level analyses of travois and dog use on the local landscape, identifying prospective areas for survey and excavation of further archaeological evidence, and refining the understanding of trade interactions and human-dog relationships within and beyond the Great Plains.