E4
Stuffed specimens of Dong Tao fowl
the fowl captures the heart of Vietnam farmers

The populations of the domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus), which were bred as pets as compared with cow, pig, horse, goat and sheep, have been variously developed. Ornamental breeds ware born in the world. For example, the breeds of Chabo, Shokoku and Onagaodori were maintained as pets in Japan, and the breeds of the chicken with attractive voice have been maintained such as Totenko and the Koeyoshi. In addition, the cockfighting was loved as an entertainment, so the fighting cocks have been bred all over the world. These breeds indicate not only the characteristics for the food production, but also the spiritual bonds between human and livestock.

The Dong Tao is one of the local traditional breeds in Dong Tao District of Northern Vietnam. The huge legs are the most impressive to us. The walking by the thick legs is humorous, so it has been loved by Vietnam people. In the local villages, this chicken is the symbol of good health, and it has been valued as a medicine. The origin of this breed is not known in detail, but it has certainly the long history. In Vietnam, this chicken had been the gift from the farmers to the royalty. There is an episode that farmers took Dong Tao fowl when they abandoned the village during the Vietnam War.

The number of the breed decreased because more productive fowls were brought to Vietnam from outside the country, and the Dong Tao became endangered. But now, this chicken takes a role of village revitalization. The humorous appearance of the fowl attracts the tourists in Vietnam, and actually they enjoy the taste of the dishes of Dong Tao.

The rare stuffed specimens of Dong Tao were prepared in the field by Dr. Naoki Tsunekawa (Nihon University). In the University Museum of the University of Tokyo, we continue to examine the skeletons and muscles of the Dong Tao fowl. The mysterious morohological characteristics of the breed will be elucidated soon. (Hideki Endo & Mayu Kusumi)