Ancient Genomes Reveal the Origins and Kinship Organisation of Late Bronze Age Populations in Northeastern China

Abstract

Kinship plays a pivotal role in structuring prehistoric communities, yet direct genomic evidence worldwide is sparse, especially in northeastern China. We present genome-wide data from 11 individuals from two co-burial graves (M6, M7) at the Late Bronze Age Dongshantou (DST) site in Jilin Province, Northeast China. Using uniparental genetic markers in combination with multiple relatedness estimators, we identify three first-degree, several second-degree and third-degree relationships connect the two graves. All males share the same Y-chromosome lineages (C2b), while mitochondrial haplotypes vary across graves, and lack of close-kin unions. DST individuals derive most of their ancestry from Amur River and West Liao River populations, indicating both long-term regional continuity and low-level external gene flow. We propose that DST was a patrilineal family cemetery, with burials organized around nuclear family co-burials, though exceptions—such as M7:5, who shares a mitochondrial haplotype with M6:4 despite being third-degree related to M7 members—suggest maternal connections or inter-family alliances. This pattern contrasts with recently reported matrilineal organization at the Neolithic Fujia site and aligns with patrilocal, female-exogamous systems documented in Bronze Age Europe. DST provides the first genome-wide evidence for lineage-based co-burial, sex-structured mortuary space, regionally integrated genetic structure in Late Bronze Age Northeast Asia.