Ancient Individual

A man buried in USA in the Pre-Columbian North America era

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A man buried in USA during the Chumash Culture, California, USA

A fragment of the ancient world, preserved across millennia in strands of DNA.

PS-34

100 CE - 700 CE

Male

USA

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Chapter I

Identity

The biological and cultural markers that define this ancient individual

Sample ID

PS-34

Date Range

100 CE - 700 CE

Cultural Period

Chumash Culture, California, USA

Biological Sex

Male

mtDNA Haplogroup

A2c

Y-DNA Haplogroup

CT-M168

Chapter II

Place

Where this individual was discovered

Country USA

Locality Point Sal. CA

Coordinates 34.9014, -120.6481

Chapter III

Time

When this individual lived in the broader context of human history

PS-34 100 CE - 700 CE

Chapter IV

Story

The narrative of this ancient life

The Chumash culture, indigenous to the central and southern coastal regions of California, reflects a rich tapestry of history, spirituality, language, and resourcefulness. The Chumash people have lived along the coast and in the adjacent inland areas for thousands of years, developing a complex society that has continually adapted to its environment.

Geography and Settlement

The traditional territory of the Chumash stretches from Malibu in the south to Paso Robles in the north, including the northern Channel Islands. The landscapes they inhabited were diverse, ranging from coastal beaches and estuaries to inland valleys and mountain ranges. This geographical diversity contributed to a rich array of resources that sustained the Chumash people.

The Chumash settlements were often located near sources of fresh water, such as rivers and springs. They lived in well-constructed dome-shaped houses known as ‘aps, made from willow branches, tule, and other local materials. The social organization was based on village communities, each led by a hereditary chief.

Economy and Subsistence

The Chumash were skillful hunters, gatherers, and fishermen, utilizing the abundant natural resources. They harvested seafood, particularly shellfish, fish, and marine mammals, thanks to their proximity to the coast and expertise in building plank canoes called \tomols." These canoes allowed them to navigate the coastal waters and even travel to the Channel Islands.

Plant resources also played a crucial role in their diet and material culture. They gathered seeds, acorns, and wild fruits, employing advanced techniques for processing and storage. Acorn mush, made from the plentiful oak trees, was a staple food.

Craftsmanship and Trade

Chumash artisans were highly skilled in basket weaving, stone carving, and bead making. Their baskets were renowned for their beauty and utility, crafted from materials like juncus and sumac. The Chumash were also known for creating shell bead currency, which facilitated trade across large distances.

Their trade networks extended far beyond their territory, reaching other Native American groups in California and beyond. They traded items like shell beads, soapstone, and obsidian, exchanging these goods with inland tribes for resources like pigments and animal hides.

Social Structure and Governance

Chumash society was hierarchically organized, with each village governed by a chief, or "wot," who inherited their position through family lineage. The chief had significant influence over the economic, spiritual, and political aspects of village life, maintaining order and implementing decisions with the counsel of elite advisors and shamans.

Spirituality and Cosmology

The Chumash had a rich spiritual life, characterized by a deep connection to the natural world and a belief in a complex pantheon of deities and spirits. Rituals and ceremonies were integral to Chumash culture, including those that marked seasonal changes, successful hunts, or critical life events.

Their cosmology was illustrated through myths, songs, and dances, often performed during ceremonial gatherings. The Chumash held sacred venues in high regard, such as caves and rock shelters, where they created intricate rock art to depict spiritual beliefs and significant cultural stories.

Language

The Chumash language family encompasses several dialects, historically spoken across various regions of Chumash territory. Although many of these languages faced decline due to European colonization and assimilation policies, there are ongoing revitalization efforts to preserve and teach the Chumash languages to future generations.

Impact of European Contact

The arrival of Spanish explorers and missionaries during the 18th century profoundly impacted the Chumash way of life. The establishment of missions along the California coast imposed new socio-political structures, leading to the disruption of traditional Chumash society and culture.

Despite these challenges, the Chumash people have demonstrated resilience. Modern-day Chumash communities actively work to reclaim their cultural heritage, maintain traditional practices, and advocate for their rights and resources.

Contemporary Chumash Culture

Today, the Chumash are involved in cultural renewal efforts, promoting education in traditional practices, language revitalization, and environmental stewardship. Tribes such as the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians are recognized federally and actively engage in cultural and economic initiatives that support the welfare of their community and preserve their cultural heritage for future generations.

In summary, the Chumash culture is a testament to effective adaptation, resilience, and creativity. Their historical and contemporary contributions continue to enrich the cultural mosaic of California and offer valuable insights into sustainable living and community strength."

Context

Related Samples

This individual exists within a broader network of ancient samples. No ancient genome stands alone.

Sample ID	Culture/Period	Date	Location	Action
SC-05	Late Santa Cruz Island, California, USA	775 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SN-44	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3626 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
CR-01	Santa Cruz Island Chumash Culture, California, USA	774 CE	San Cruz Island. CA, USA	View
CT-01	Late Santa Cruz Island, California, USA	1440 CE	San Catalina Island. CA, USA	View
SM-02	San Miguel Island Chumash Culture, California, USA	1174 CE	San Miguel Island. CA, USA	View
SN-11	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	771 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
PS-06	Chumash Culture, California, USA	417 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
523a	Athabaskan Culture, Alaska, USA	1800 CE	Palm Site, USA	View
SN-13	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	1040 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
I15690	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	420 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
NC	Chumash Culture, New Cuyama, California, USA	571 CE	New Cuyama. CA, USA	View
SN-17	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3369 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
Ala1	San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA	1400 CE	Síi Túupentak (ALA-565/H). San Francisco Bay, USA	View
SN-53	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	1165 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-10	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3700 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-48	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-03	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	239 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
PS-07	Chumash Culture, California, USA	422 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
SC-07	Late Santa Cruz Island, California, USA	700 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SC-01	Late Santa Cruz Island, California, USA	700 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SC-04	Late Santa Cruz Island, California, USA	1039 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SN-52	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	990 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-15	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	78 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-51	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	410 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
US-14	Colonial Period Pennsylvania, USA	1521 CE	Shohola Creek. Indian Cabin Ridge. PA, USA	View
SN-54	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	2835 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-39	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SC-06	Late Santa Cruz Island, California, USA	700 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SN-16	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3700 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SM-01	San Miguel Island Chumash Culture, California, USA	1286 CE	San Miguel Island. CA, USA	View
SN-32	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3341 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
PS-03	Chumash Culture, California, USA	416 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
SN-01	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3700 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
PS-18	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
SN-38	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3700 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-58	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-59	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3328 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
PS-26	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
SN-25	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	2570 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SC-03	Late Santa Cruz Island, California, USA	890 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SN-20	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
PS-17	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
SN-09	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3700 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-04	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3081 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
PS-02	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
SN-12	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	663 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-43	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	795 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
PS-23	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
CT-02	Late Santa Cruz Island, California, USA	1400 CE	San Catalina Island. CA, USA	View
SN-57	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-37	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
PS-09	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
SN-56	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-55	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-31	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-60	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	2835 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-41	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
PS-04	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
SN-45	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SC-02	Late Santa Cruz Island, California, USA	700 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
PS-34	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
CH-01	Mainland Chumash Culture, California, USA	416 CE	California. Carpenteria, USA	View
B-03	Pericues Culture, Mexico	3000 BCE	LC-218. Baja, Mexico	View
MX-01	Baja California, Mexico	3000 BCE	Iron Springs. Baja, Mexico	View
B-04	Baja California, Mexico	3000 BCE	Comondu. Baja, Mexico	View
CK-13	Arctic Small Tool Tradition, Canada	2914 BCE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
CK-09	Arctic Small Tool Tradition, Canada	1458 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
LU-06	Arctic Small Tool Tradition, Canada	1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
CK-10	Arctic Small Tool Tradition, Canada	1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
LU-03	Arctic Small Tool Tradition, Canada	1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
LU-02	Arctic Small Tool Tradition, Canada	1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
LU-05	Arctic Small Tool Tradition, Canada	1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
LU-01	Arctic Small Tool Tradition, Canada	1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
CK-03	Arctic Small Tool Tradition, Canada	1223 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
SN-50	San Nicolas Island Native American	420 CE	San Nicolas Island (California), USA	View
SN-39		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
I15690		420 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
523a		1800 CE	Palm Site, USA	View
Ala1		1400 CE	Síi Túupentak (ALA-565/H). San Francisco Bay, USA	View
B-03		3000 BCE	LC-218. Baja, Mexico	View
B-04		3000 BCE	Comondu. Baja, Mexico	View
CH-01		416 CE	California. Carpenteria, USA	View
CK-03		1223 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
CK-09		1458 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
CK-10		1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
CK-13		2914 BCE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
CR-01		774 CE	San Cruz Island. CA, USA	View
CT-01		1440 CE	San Catalina Island. CA, USA	View
CT-02		1400 CE	San Catalina Island. CA, USA	View
LU-01		1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
LU-02		1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
LU-03		1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
LU-05		1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
LU-06		1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
MX-01		3000 BCE	Iron Springs. Baja, Mexico	View
NC		571 CE	New Cuyama. CA, USA	View
PS-02		100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-03		416 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-04		100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-06		417 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-07		422 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-09		100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-17		100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-18		100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-23		100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-26		100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-34		100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
SC-01		700 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SC-02		700 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SC-03		890 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SC-04		1039 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SC-05		775 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SC-06		700 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SC-07		700 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SM-01		1286 CE	San Miguel Island. CA, USA	View
SM-02		1174 CE	San Miguel Island. CA, USA	View
SN-01		3700 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-03		239 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-04		3081 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-09		3700 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-10		3700 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-11		771 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-12		663 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-13		1040 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-15		78 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-16		3700 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-17		3369 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-20		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-25		2570 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-31		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-32		3341 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-37		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-38		3700 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-41		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-43		795 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-44		3626 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-45		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-48		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-51		410 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-52		990 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-53		1165 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-54		2835 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-55		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-56		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-57		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-58		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-59		3328 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-60		2835 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
US-14		1521 CE	Shohola Creek. Indian Cabin Ridge. PA, USA	View

Sample ID	Culture/Period	Date	Location	Action
PS-06	Chumash Culture, California, USA	417 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-07	Chumash Culture, California, USA	422 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-03	Chumash Culture, California, USA	416 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-18	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-26	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-17	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-02	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-23	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-09	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-04	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-34	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View

Sources

References

Scientific publications and genetic data that inform this profile.

Scientific Publication

Ancient human parallel lineages within North America contributed to a coastal expansion

Authors Scheib CL, Li H, Desai T, Link V, Kendall C et al.

Abstract

Little is known regarding the first people to enter the Americas and their genetic legacy. Genomic analysis of the oldest human remains from the Americas showed a direct relationship between a Clovis-related ancestral population and all modern Central and South Americans as well as a deep split separating them from North Americans in Canada. We present 91 ancient human genomes from California and Southwestern Ontario and demonstrate the existence of two distinct ancestries in North America, which possibly split south of the ice sheets. A contribution from both of these ancestral populations is found in all modern Central and South Americans. The proportions of these two ancestries in ancient and modern populations are consistent with a coastal dispersal and multiple admixture events.

View in DNAGENICS View Original Publication

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