The Kennewick Man DNA Update

By
Maximilian O. Baldia

In July 1996 the ca. 9000 year old human remains of what is now called Kennewick Man were found in Kennewick, Washington, USA. Such Paleo-Indian skeletal remains are very rare. It was hoped that these remains would shed additional light on the peopling of America (see The Comparative Archaeology WEB: Chronology of America). Controversy developed regarding who was responsible for determining what would be done with the bones. It was ultimately decided to let the bones undergo scientific research, including DNA tests (The Kennewick Man and Ancient DNA).

A press release by the US Interior Department, dated September 25, 2000, states that the US Secretary of the Interior determined to conclude further scientific research and give the skeleton “to the Tribes that have jointly claimed” the remains for reburial.

The press release sated that: Pieces of metacarpal and rib bone were … sent for DNA analysis to three renowned laboratories: Yale University, the University of California at Davis and the University of Michigan. None of the laboratories was able to extract DNA for analysis due to the antiquity and mineralization of the more than 9,000 year-old bone.

Additional Links

The complete article is found on http://www.cr.nps.gov/aad/kennewick/doi9_25_00.htm.

For additional information and further links see on Kennewick Man: The Kennewick Man and Ancient DNA.

Please send comments or questions to Max Baldia.