Two ancient human genomes reveal Polynesian ancestry among the indigenous Botocudos of Brazil
Malaspinas AS, Lao O, Schroeder H et al.
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Abstract
Summary of the research findings
Understanding the peopling of the Americas remains an important and challenging question. Here, we present (14)C dates, and morphological, isotopic and genomic sequence data from two human skulls from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, part of one of the indigenous groups known as 'Botocudos'. We find that their genomic ancestry is Polynesian, with no detectable Native American component. Radiocarbon analysis of the skulls shows that the individuals had died prior to the beginning of the 19th century. Our findings could either represent genomic evidence of Polynesians reaching South America during their Pacific expansion, or European-mediated transport.
Ancient DNA Samples
5 ancient DNA samples referenced in this publication
| Sample ID | Date/Era | Country | Locality | Sex | mtDNA | Y-DNA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bot17 | 1496 CE | Brazil | Rio Doce Valley | M | |
C-M208 |
| Botocudo15.SG | 1479 CE | Brazil | Rio Doce Valley | M | |
|
| Botocudo15 | 1479 CE | Brazil | Rio Doce Valley | M | B4a1a1a |
|
| Botocudo15.SG | 1479 CE | Brazil | Rio Doce Valley | M | |
|
| Bot17 | 1496 CE | Brazil | Rio Doce Valley | M | |
C-M208 |
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