Ancient mitochondrial DNA and ancestry of Paquimé inhabitants, Casas Grandes (A.D. 1200–1450)

A genetic analysis of ancient Paquimé inhabitants reveals strong affinities with the Mimbres culture, suggesting close biological ties between these groups. The study, using mitochondrial DNA from 14 samples, identified four distinct Amerindian lineages (B, A, C, and D), with the majority shared or derived from ancient Southwest populations. While this supports bioarchaeological evidence of connections to Puebloan cultures in the Southwestern U.S., the causes behind Paquimé's cultural development remain unclear. The research employed PCR and Sanger sequencing to compare haplotypes against available data, providing preliminary insights into the ancestry of this significant UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Morales‐Arce, A. Y., Snow, M. H., Kelley, J. H., & Anne Katzenberg, M. (2017). Ancient mitochondrial DNA and ancestry of Paquimé inhabitants, Casas Grandes (A.D. 1200–1450). American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 163(3), 616–626. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.23223