Mitochondrial DNA Variation in Ancient Tissues From US Southwest

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This project will characterize sequence variation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in ancient tissue specimens from the southwestern United States. The samples are identified archaeologically as Basketmaker, Anasazi, or Hohokam, and are approximately 1000 years old or older. Precise temporal provenience will be obtained for key specimens by accelerated carbon fourteen dating. Molecular genetic characterization of mtDNA variation in these ancient samples will permit identification of the geographic and temporal distribution of lineages in the ancient cultures of the Southwest. Such an assessment will allow testing of several hypotheses relating to origins of native cultures in the region, patterning of prehistoric migrations of the area, and more precise information on ancestral/descendant relationships between ancient southwestern cultures and modern populations.