Genetic Diversity of a Late Prehispanic Group of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Northwestern Argentina

A late prehispanic group from the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Northwestern Argentina, exhibited significant genetic diversity with affinities to both Central Andean highlands and contemporary admixed Chaco communities. This suggests a complex evolutionary history shaped by regional interactions and demographic events such as the expansion of the Inca Empire and European colonization. The study analyzed DNA from 39 individuals dating to the Regional Development period (11th–15th centuries CE), revealing distinct maternal and paternal genetic lineages. Findings also indicate a geographical organization of prehispanic populations, divided between two spheres of interaction, aligning with craniometric evidence.

Mendisco, F., Keyser, C., Seldes, V., Rivolta, C., Mercolli, P., Cruz, P., Nielsen, A. E., Crubezy, E., & Ludes, B. (2014). Genetic Diversity of a Late Prehispanic Group of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, Northwestern Argentina. Annals of Human Genetics, 78(5), 367–380. https://doi.org/10.1111/ahg.12075