A woman buried in USA in the Pre-Columbian North America era

SN-37
Portrait reconstruction
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:
SN-37
Date:
3650 BCE - 2200 BCE
Biological Sex:
Female
mtDNA:
A2c
Y-DNA:
Not applicable
Cultural Period:
Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA
Location
Country:
USA
Locality:
California. San Nicolas Island
Coordinates:
33.2643, -119.5390
Map Location
Historical Timeline
Description

Early San Nicolas Island, part of the Channel Islands archipelago off the coast of Southern California, was home to unique indigenous cultures that adapted to the island's challenging environment. The island, approximately 61 square kilometers in size, was inhabited by Native American people long before European contact. These early inhabitants are believed to be the ancestors of the Nicoleño people, who developed a distinct culture influenced by the island's ecology and geography.

Environment and Ecology

San Nicolas Island is characterized by its rugged terrain, steep cliffs, and limited freshwater sources. The island's climate is semi-arid, with low rainfall and high winds, thus presenting a challenging environment for human habitation. Despite these harsh conditions, the island was rich in marine resources, as it is surrounded by nutrient-rich waters supporting a diverse marine ecosystem. The Nicoleño exploited these resources, relying heavily on fishing, shellfish gathering, and hunting sea mammals like seals and sea lions.

Subsistence and Economy

The economy of the Early San Nicolas Island culture was primarily centered around the sea. The inhabitants practiced a subsistence strategy that included fishing, gathering shellfish, and hunting sea mammals, which were abundant around the island. Archaeological evidence, including fishhooks and harpoons crafted from bone and shell, suggests advanced maritime skills. Diets were supplemented by gathering terrestrial plants, seeds, and roots, although the limited flora meant that marine resources were key to survival.

Material Culture

Artifacts from Early San Nicolas Island reveal a rich material culture based on available resources. Tools and utensils were crafted from bone, shell, and stone, with intricate craftsmanship evident in items like fishhooks, beads, and decorative items. The Nicoleño are known for creating finely woven baskets, a skill shared with other Channel Islands tribes, although their styles and techniques had distinct local variations.

Social Structure and Rituals

While specific details about the social structure of the Early San Nicolas Island inhabitants are limited, it is likely that their society was organized around kinship and clan-based systems typical of the region. Ceremonial and ritual practices were likely an important component of social life, as suggested by the presence of ceremonial sites and burial mounds. These sites indicate a belief system that venerated ancestors and natural elements, which is consistent with broader patterns seen among Southern California indigenous cultures.

Interaction with Other Tribes

Although geographically isolated, the Nicoleño people of San Nicolas Island maintained contact with other Channel Islands tribes and mainland groups. Evidence of trade can be found in the presence of artifacts such as steatite (soapstone) items that are not native to the island, suggesting exchange networks. These interactions likely facilitated cultural exchange and technological innovations.

Decline and Legacy

The population on San Nicolas Island began to decline significantly in the early 19th century, exacerbated by European contact, which introduced diseases and disrupted traditional lifeways. The Nicoleño were eventually removed from the island in the 1830s, and the culture essentially disappeared. However, the famous story of Juana Maria, the \Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island," who lived in isolation after being left behind, underscores the enduring human spirit and adaptability of the Nicoleño. Her story became the basis for Scott O'Dell's novel "Island of the Blue Dolphins," which keeps the memory of the island's indigenous heritage alive.

Today, San Nicolas Island is mostly a military-owned site, yet archaeological efforts continue to uncover the island's rich prehistoric past, providing insights into the resilience and adaptability of its early inhabitants. The legacy of the Nicoleño contributes to the broader understanding of California's indigenous cultures, highlighting their deep connection to and sustainable use of environmental resources."

Related Samples
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
SN-44 Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA 3626 BCE California. San Nicolas Island, USA View
SN-17 Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA 3369 BCE California. San Nicolas Island, USA View
SN-48 Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA 3650 BCE California. San Nicolas Island, 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
SN-32 Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA 3341 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
SN-25 Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA 2570 BCE California. San Nicolas Island, USA View
SN-20 Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA 3650 BCE California. San Nicolas Island, USA View
SN-04 Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA 3081 BCE California. San Nicolas Island, 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
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
SN-45 Early San Nicolas Island, California, USA 3650 BCE California. San Nicolas Island, USA View
Ancient Genetic Admixture

Ancient genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (SN-37) 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 78%
Ancient Asians 14%
Neolithic Farmers 3%
European Hunter-Gatherers 3%
Ancient Oceanians 2%
Modern Genetic Admixture

Modern genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (SN-37) 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 88%
America 88%
Native American 88.2%
Asia 12%
Japanese & Korean 4%
Japanese 4.2%
Central Asian, Northern Indian & Pakistani 3%
Central Asian 3.4%
Chinese & Southeast Asian 3%
Chinese 2.4%
Tibetan 0.7%
Northern Asian 1%
Siberian 1.2%
G25 Coordinates

The G25 coordinates for the sample SN-37 are as follows. You can analyze its admixture using G25 Studio.

SN-37,0.05520788,-0.30569324,0.10607556,0.10344754,-0.10791138,-0.0206862,-0.28579134,-0.33536448,-0.01447846,-0.01695646,0.0031771,-0.0013025,-0.0002773,0.02132326,-0.00647212,-0.00095778,0.0054396,0.00340096,0.00147496,-0.00152862,-0.0009407,0.007887,-0.00100084,-0.00506072,-0.00550178
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:
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