A man buried in Mexico in the Pre-Columbian Central America era

B-03

Disclaimer: The portrait shown is a speculative reconstruction and not the actual face of the ancient sample. It represents an artistic interpretation based on archaeological data.

Specimen Details

Sample ID:

B-03

Date:

3000 BCE - 1500 CE

Biological Sex:

Male

mtDNA:

C1b11

Y-DNA:

Q-CTS10359

Cultural Period:

Pericues Culture, Mexico

Location

Country:

Mexico

Locality:

LC-218. Baja

Coordinates:

29.2030, -114.7032

Map Location

Historical Timeline

Description

The Pericúes culture refers to the indigenous inhabitants of the southernmost part of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, particularly in what is now known as the state of Baja California Sur. This culture occupied the area known as Los Cabos, which includes the modern-day cities of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Despite being less well-documented than other Mesoamerican civilizations, the Pericúes represent a significant part of the region's pre-Columbian history.

Geographic and Environmental Context

The Pericúes inhabited a harsh, arid environment characterized by desert landscapes and rugged coastline. The region is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) to the east, which influenced the Pericúes' way of life significantly. The coastal and marine environment provided them with rich resources, although the interior's scarcity of water and arable land posed challenges for sustained habitation.

Cultural and Social Structure

The Pericúes were traditionally semi-nomadic people, relying heavily on fishing, hunting, and gathering. They built small, temporary settlements near water sources and resource-rich areas, which they would abandon in pursuit of seasonal resources. Their social structure was likely kin-based, organized into small bands or groups, each led by a chieftain or elders.

The Pericúes culture was not as urbanized or architecturally advanced as other Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Maya or the Aztecs. They did not build large temples or cities but lived in more transient arrangements due to their subsistence lifestyle.

Subsistence and Economy

The Pericúes were skilled fishermen and are believed to have developed simple but effective tools and techniques to exploit marine resources. Their diet was rich in seafood, including fish, shellfish, and marine mammals, supplemented by hunting terrestrial animals like deer and rabbits. Gathering plant resources such as seeds, fruits, and cactus was also practiced.

Trade does not appear to have been as prominent a feature in Pericúes society as in other Mesoamerican cultures. However, there could have been some level of interaction or exchange with neighboring groups, particularly other indigenous communities of the Baja Peninsula.

Material Culture and Technology

The Pericúes are not known for monumental architecture or sophisticated craftsmanship in stone or jade, characteristic of central Mesoamerican cultures. Instead, their material culture was more focused on utilitarian items. They likely crafted tools from readily available materials such as bone, shell, and wood. Pottery is notably absent from their archaeological record, unlike in more settled agrarian cultures.

Spirituality and Rituals

Little is known about the spiritual beliefs and rituals of the Pericúes due to the scant record. However, like many indigenous cultures, they likely had animistic beliefs, venerating natural elements such as the sun, sea, and land, which were crucial for their survival.

Decline and Contact with Europeans

The arrival of European explorers and Jesuit missionaries in the 17th century marked a turning point for the Pericúes. The introduction of diseases to which the Pericúes had no immunity, coupled with colonization efforts and the subsequent cultural upheaval, led to their drastic decline. By the end of the 18th century, after years of resistance and rebellion, the Pericúes population had been largely decimated.

Legacy

Today, there are no known direct descendants of the Pericúes, but their legacy persists in the cultural and historical narrative of the Baja California Peninsula. Their existence is a testament to the diverse array of human civilizations that have thrived in the varied landscapes of Mesoamerica, surviving through adaptation to their environment. Archaeological studies continue to shed light on their lives, contributing to a fuller understanding of the indigenous cultures of Mexico.

Overall, while the Pericúes may not have built the grand cities or left behind the exquisite art typical of other Mesoamerican cultures, their history remains a crucial component of the rich tapestry of indigenous Mexico.

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Sample ID	Culture/Period	Date	Location	Action
SC-05	Late Santa Cruz Island, California, USA	775 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SN-44	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3626 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
CR-01	Santa Cruz Island Chumash Culture, California, USA	774 CE	San Cruz Island. CA, USA	View
CT-01	Late Santa Cruz Island, California, USA	1440 CE	San Catalina Island. CA, USA	View
SM-02	San Miguel Island Chumash Culture, California, USA	1174 CE	San Miguel Island. CA, USA	View
SN-11	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	771 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
PS-06	Chumash Culture, California, USA	417 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
523a	Athabaskan Culture, Alaska, USA	1800 CE	Palm Site, USA	View
SN-13	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	1040 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
I15690	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	420 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
NC	Chumash Culture, New Cuyama, California, USA	571 CE	New Cuyama. CA, USA	View
SN-17	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3369 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
Ala1	San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA	1400 CE	Síi Túupentak (ALA-565/H). San Francisco Bay, USA	View
SN-53	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	1165 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-10	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3700 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-48	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-03	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	239 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
PS-07	Chumash Culture, California, USA	422 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
SC-07	Late Santa Cruz Island, California, USA	700 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SC-01	Late Santa Cruz Island, California, USA	700 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SC-04	Late Santa Cruz Island, California, USA	1039 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SN-52	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	990 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-15	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	78 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-51	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	410 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
US-14	Colonial Period Pennsylvania, USA	1521 CE	Shohola Creek. Indian Cabin Ridge. PA, USA	View
SN-54	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	2835 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-39	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SC-06	Late Santa Cruz Island, California, USA	700 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SN-16	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3700 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SM-01	San Miguel Island Chumash Culture, California, USA	1286 CE	San Miguel Island. CA, USA	View
SN-32	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3341 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
PS-03	Chumash Culture, California, USA	416 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
SN-01	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3700 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
PS-18	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
SN-38	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3700 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-58	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-59	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3328 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
PS-26	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
SN-25	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	2570 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SC-03	Late Santa Cruz Island, California, USA	890 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SN-20	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
PS-17	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
SN-09	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3700 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-04	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3081 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
PS-02	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
SN-12	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	663 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-43	Late San Nicolas Island, California, USA	795 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
PS-23	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
CT-02	Late Santa Cruz Island, California, USA	1400 CE	San Catalina Island. CA, USA	View
SN-57	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-37	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
PS-09	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
SN-56	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-55	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-31	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-60	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	2835 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-41	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
PS-04	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
SN-45	Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA	3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SC-02	Late Santa Cruz Island, California, USA	700 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
PS-34	Chumash Culture, California, USA	100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
CH-01	Mainland Chumash Culture, California, USA	416 CE	California. Carpenteria, USA	View
B-03	Pericues Culture, Mexico	3000 BCE	LC-218. Baja, Mexico	View
MX-01	Baja California, Mexico	3000 BCE	Iron Springs. Baja, Mexico	View
B-04	Baja California, Mexico	3000 BCE	Comondu. Baja, Mexico	View
CK-13	Arctic Small Tool Tradition, Canada	2914 BCE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
CK-09	Arctic Small Tool Tradition, Canada	1458 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
LU-06	Arctic Small Tool Tradition, Canada	1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
CK-10	Arctic Small Tool Tradition, Canada	1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
LU-03	Arctic Small Tool Tradition, Canada	1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
LU-02	Arctic Small Tool Tradition, Canada	1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
LU-05	Arctic Small Tool Tradition, Canada	1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
LU-01	Arctic Small Tool Tradition, Canada	1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
CK-03	Arctic Small Tool Tradition, Canada	1223 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
SN-39		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
I15690		420 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
523a		1800 CE	Palm Site, USA	View
Ala1		1400 CE	Síi Túupentak (ALA-565/H). San Francisco Bay, USA	View
B-03		3000 BCE	LC-218. Baja, Mexico	View
B-04		3000 BCE	Comondu. Baja, Mexico	View
CH-01		416 CE	California. Carpenteria, USA	View
CK-03		1223 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
CK-09		1458 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
CK-10		1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
CK-13		2914 BCE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
CR-01		774 CE	San Cruz Island. CA, USA	View
CT-01		1440 CE	San Catalina Island. CA, USA	View
CT-02		1400 CE	San Catalina Island. CA, USA	View
LU-01		1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
LU-02		1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
LU-03		1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
LU-05		1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
LU-06		1200 CE	Lucier. Southwestern Ontario, Canada	View
MX-01		3000 BCE	Iron Springs. Baja, Mexico	View
NC		571 CE	New Cuyama. CA, USA	View
PS-02		100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-03		416 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-04		100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-06		417 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-07		422 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-09		100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-17		100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-18		100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-23		100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-26		100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
PS-34		100 CE	Point Sal. CA, USA	View
SC-01		700 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SC-02		700 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SC-03		890 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SC-04		1039 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SC-05		775 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SC-06		700 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SC-07		700 CE	San Clemente Island. CA, USA	View
SM-01		1286 CE	San Miguel Island. CA, USA	View
SM-02		1174 CE	San Miguel Island. CA, USA	View
SN-01		3700 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-03		239 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-04		3081 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-09		3700 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-10		3700 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-11		771 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-12		663 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-13		1040 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-15		78 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-16		3700 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-17		3369 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-20		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-25		2570 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-31		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-32		3341 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-37		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-38		3700 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-41		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-43		795 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-44		3626 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-45		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-48		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-51		410 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-52		990 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-53		1165 CE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-54		2835 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-55		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-56		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-57		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-58		3650 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-59		3328 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
SN-60		2835 BCE	California. San Nicolas Island, USA	View
US-14		1521 CE	Shohola Creek. Indian Cabin Ridge. PA, USA	View
SN-50	San Nicolas Island Native American	420 CE	San Nicolas Island (California), USA	View

Sample ID	Culture/Period	Date	Location	Action
B-03	Pericues Culture, Mexico	3000 BCE	LC-218. Baja, Mexico	View
BC25	Pericues Culture, Mexico	1200 CE	Piedra Gorda. Las Palmas culture, Mexico	View
BC30	Pericues Culture, Mexico	1200 CE	Piedra Gorda. Las Palmas culture, Mexico	View
BC29	Pericues Culture, Mexico	1200 CE	Piedra Gorda. Las Palmas culture, Mexico	View
BC27	Pericues Culture, Mexico	1200 CE	Piedra Gorda. Las Palmas culture, Mexico	View
BC23	Pericues Culture, Mexico	1200 CE	Piedra Gorda. Las Palmas culture, Mexico	View
BC28	Pericues Culture, Mexico	1200 CE	Piedra Gorda. Las Palmas culture, Mexico	View

Ancient Genetic Admixture

Ancient genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (B-03) with present-day reference populations. These results show what percentage of the individual's genetic makeup resembles ancient populations from different geographic regions.

Ancient Native Americans 74%

Ancient Asians 23%

Western Steppe Pastoralists 3%

Modern Genetic Admixture

Modern genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (B-03) with present-day reference populations. These results show what percentage of the individual's genetic makeup resembles modern populations from different geographic regions.

These results complement the ancient ancestry components shown in the previous section, offering a different perspective on the individual's genetic profile by comparing it with modern reference populations rather than prehistoric ancestral groups.

America 87%

Native American 86.9%

Asia 13%

Northern Asian 6%

Siberian 5.8%

Japanese & Korean 4%

Japanese 4.0%

Chinese & Southeast Asian 3%

Tibetan 2.2%

Vietnamese 0.8%

Northern West Asian 0%

Oceania 0%

Melanesian 0%

G25 Coordinates

The G25 coordinates for the sample B-03 are as follows. You can analyze its admixture using G25 Studio.

B-03,0.05626492,-0.31622798,0.10881366,0.09359978,-0.10911558,-0.01063304,-0.28628192,-0.33736362,-0.0140717,-0.01584988,-0.00016492,-0.00050322,-0.0007784,0.02451516,-0.00594204,0.0006383,0.00583288,0.00374114,0.00120322,-0.00183458,-0.0007051,0.0071318,-0.00271798,-0.0040144,-0.00490061

Analyze it in G25 Studio

Scientific Papers References

Ancient human parallel lineages within North America contributed to a coastal expansion

Authors:

Scheib CL, Li H, Desai T

Abstract:

Little is known regarding the first people to enter the Americas and their genetic legacy. Genomic analysis of the oldest human remains from the Americas showed a direct relationship between a Clovis-related ancestral population and all modern Central and South Americans as well as a deep split separating them from North Americans in Canada. We present 91 ancient human genomes from California and Southwestern Ontario and demonstrate the existence of two distinct ancestries in North America, which possibly split south of the ice sheets. A contribution from both of these ancestral populations is found in all modern Central and South Americans. The proportions of these two ancestries in ancient and modern populations are consistent with a coastal dispersal and multiple admixture events.

Link:

View Publication