DNA evidence shows 10% Native American ancestry circa 1228 AD

DNA evidence shows 10% Native American ancestry circa 1228 AD. DNA testing on ancient Rapa Nui skeletons showed 90% ancient Polynesian DNA and 10% Native American DNA The 10% Native American DNA entered the gene pool around 1228 AD This date matches exactly when Moai creation and Ahu construction began

DNA testing on ancient Rapa Nui skeletons reveals ~90% Polynesian and ~8-10% Native American ancestry entering between 1280-1495 AD when trans-oceanic contact began! Sweet potatoes and chickens also trace back to South America. 🧬

Key facts:

- Ancient DNA analysis shows about 8-10% Native American ancestry in pre-European contact Rapanui individuals

- The Ioannidis et al. study (2014) places Native American admixture between approximately 1280-1495 AD

- Sweet potatoes on Rapa Nui originated from South America

- Chickens have ancestral DNA linking to South America

- Moai creation and Ahu construction began around 700-800 AD, predating the Native American contact period by several centuries

Key Facts

• DNA testing on ancient Rapa Nui skeletons showed 90% ancient Polynesian DNA and 10% Native American DNA
• The 10% Native American DNA entered the gene pool around 1228 AD
• This date matches exactly when Moai creation and Ahu construction began
• Sweet potatoes on Rapa Nui originated from South America
• Chickens have ancestral DNA linking to South America
• Oral tradition mentions two distinct tribes: Long Ear (tall, elongated ears) and Short Ear who were at war
• Legend says Long Ears were destroyed in battle, leaving only one man who continued the population

Related site: Rapa Nui — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.

Source: Exploring RAPA NUI / Easter Island by Funny Olde World