Dissertation Research: Genetic and Mortuary Analyses of a Prehistoric Native American Community

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9408398 Stoneking/ Stone The recovery of ancient DNA from human remains has great potential to address anthropological issues concerning migration, residence patterns and genetic relationships of ancient human populations. To date, however, only a few researchers have applied these techniques to archaeological questions. The technical issues are very difficult to resolve. This project on a completely excavated cemetery, the Norris Farms #36 site in Illinois, integrates genetcis, archaeology, and osteology in a new and powerful way to analyze the social organization and genetics of pre- Columbian poulations. It dates to 1300 A.D. and represents a "frontier" society of the Oneonta cultural tradition. The DNA extracted from the skeletons will be used to determine the sex and genetic relatedness of members of this society to clarify aspects of social organization such as post- marital residence patterns, status and cemetery organization. The project will also result in the effective training of an excellent young researcher in this exciting area of research.