Anasazi America 1 (PDF)

Story: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/ancient-dna-yields-unprecedented-insights-into-mysterious-chaco-civilization/ aDNA Study, Pueblo Bonito, Chaco Canyon Ancient DNA + 14C dating to analyze burials Identical mtDNA across 9 individuals: matrilineal lineage Moth...

Story: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/ancient-dna-yields-unprecedented-insights-into-mysterious-chaco-civilization/ aDNA Study, Pueblo Bonito, Chaco Canyon Ancient DNA + 14C dating to analyze burials Identical mtDNA across 9 individuals: matrilineal lineage Mother-daughter/grandmother-grandson connections Matriline persisted for ~330 years (AD 800–1130) aDNA Study, Pueblo Bonito, Chaco Canyon Ancient DNA + 14C dating to analyze burials Identical mtDNA across 9 individuals: matrilineal lineage Mother-daughter/grandmother-grandson connections Matriline persisted for ~330 years (AD 800–1130) Burial 14 male had elite grave goods (turquoise, shells) Confirms hereditary leadership through female line Aligns w/modern Puebloan practices (Hopi, Zuni) Demonstrates kinship-based leadership  2017 aDNA Study Pueblo Bonito, Chaco Canyon Questions re how elites related Same kinship group? Sodality (i.e. organiz. w/ members fr diff lineages)?  2017 aDNA Study Pueblo Bonito, Chaco Canyon Questions re how elites related Same kinship group? Sodality (i.e. organiz. w/ members fr diff lineages)? Interpretation of lineage’s power Grp of related men/women persistent leaders for > 300 yrs Poss stemmed from control of ritual practices Evidence: carved wooden flutes and ceremonial staffs  Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act 1990 law applies to Fed land (or Fed-supported institutions) Chaco is a National Park AMNH is Fed-supported 2000 AMNH decides that can’t determine which contemporary tribe is lineal descendant or “culturally affiliated” No tribes consulted Ruth Van Dyke (Binghamton U) “It is clearly ethically problematic to carry out destructive analyses on Indigenous human remains without talking to any Native peoples about it. In recent decades, archaeologists have worked hard to build trusting, collaborative relationships with our Indigenous colleagues. Any research that fails to respect Native rights and sensibilities can only undermine this progress.”  Remember Kennewick Man Discovered in Columbia R (Fed. land) Ca. 9000 years old Local groups claim under NAGPRA Lawsuit by scientists succeeds  Remember Kennewick Man Discovered in Columbia R (Fed. land) Ca. 9000 years old Local groups claim under NAGPRA Lawsuit by scientists succeeds Cranial shape: diff from modern Nat Ams DNA study determines KM was Nat Am Genome was closely related to contemp grps in Washington Feds return “ancient one” to tribes Reburied in secret location  Kurt Dongoske (archaeologist for Pueblo of Zuni) “Native Americans do not need scientists to tell them their heritage. Their heritage has been passed down to them in oral history, through the recitation of prayers, and in ceremonial traditions. To claim that science is the only legitimate way of knowing the past is insulting to us. It perpetuates the insidious effects of colonialism on Native Americans.”  Eske Willerslev aDNA expert from Denmark “The time when scientists should go and study ancient human remains from the Americas without some kind of tribal engagement has passed. For many tribal groups, human remains from the Americas are considered ancestors whether or not there is evidence of cultural or genetic links. Ignoring tribal consultation can no longer be explained by lack of awareness. It’s a decision.”