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Matrilineal Clans in Neolithic China
Context:
New archaeological evidence from two Neolithic cemeteries (4,750–4,500 years ago) on China’s eastern coast reveals that ancient communities may have practiced matrilineal kinship.
Key Findings
Genetic Evidence:
- mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA):
- Inherited only from mothers.
- Uniform mtDNA across individuals within each cemetery indicated common maternal ancestry.
- Different mtDNA between cemeteries confirmed distinct matrilineal clans.
- Y-chromosome DNA:
- Inherited only from fathers to sons.
- Y-DNA was highly diverse, indicating non-paternal lineage focus in burial practices.
Isotopic Evidence:
- Strontium isotope ratios (??Sr/??Sr):
- Found in teeth and bones; matched with local soils ? individuals were non-migratory.
- Carbon isotope ratios (¹³C/¹²C):
- Diet was primarily millet-based agriculture, with pig domestication.
- No dietary distinction between males and females ? equal food access.
Significance
- Contradicts the assumption that ancient societies were exclusively patriarchal.
- Provides rare concrete evidence of matrilineal social organization in prehistoric times.
- Demonstrates the role of DNA and isotope analysis in reconstructing ancient social, dietary, and migratory patterns.
Examples of Other Matrilineal Societies:
- Chaco Canyon Civilization, North America (800–1300 BCE)
- Certain Celtic Communities, Germany (616–200 BCE)
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