Unraveling Social Dynamics: Ancient DNA Sheds Light on Europe's Last Hunter-Gatherers
Insights into Cultural Strategies and Social Bonds Amidst Neolithic Transition
A recent study published in PNAS1 unveils surprising insights into the social complexities of Europe's last hunter-gatherers through advanced DNA analysis of skeletons dating back 8,000 years. The research suggests that these ancient communities developed cultural strategies to mitigate inbreeding, challenging prior assumptions about their social structures.
Genetic Discoveries from Coastal Sites
The investigation focused on the genomes of individuals buried between 6350 and 4810 B.C. at Téviec and Hoedic, two coastal archaeological sites in northwestern France. These locations offer a unique window into a pivotal period when Europe was transitioning from hunter-gatherer societies to farming communities. Contrary to previous genetic evidence suggesting intermingling between hunter-gatherers and farmers, the study found no genetic mixing between these groups.
Social Units and Avoidance of Inbreeding
Despite the small size of these prehistoric communities, the researchers observed a remarkable absence of close biological kin relationships among individuals buried together. Instead, most pairs exhibited third-degree relationships, indicating a deliberate social strategy to avoid inbreeding. Lead researcher Luciana Simões highlights the existence of distinct social units with varied dietary habits, suggesting sophisticated cultural practices.
Societal Sophistication Amidst Change
The findings challenge misconceptions about hunter-gatherer societies, highlighting their complexity and sophistication. Assistant Professor Christina Bergey underscores the significance of these genomes in elucidating human culture during the Neolithic transition. She emphasizes that the ability to avoid inbreeding reflects intricate social boundaries and identities, even amidst the shift towards agricultural societies.
Beyond Biological Kinship: Strong Social Bonds
A poignant example of the nuanced social relationships among hunter-gatherers is evident in a grave at Hoedic. The burial contained the remains of an unrelated adult female and a young girl, underscoring the presence of enduring social bonds beyond biological kinship. Study co-author Amélie Vialet emphasizes the importance of these relationships, which persisted even in death, shedding light on the intricate social dynamics of ancient communities.
Simões, L. G., Peyroteo-Stjerna, R., Marchand, G., Bernhardsson, C., Vialet, A., Chetty, D., Alaçamlı, E., Edlund, H., Bouquin, D., Dina, C., Garmond, N., Günther, T., & Jakobsson, M. (2024). Genomic ancestry and social dynamics of the last hunter-gatherers of Atlantic France. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 121(10). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2310545121