Ancient Mitochondrial Genomes Reveal the Maternal Diversity and Genetic Influence of the Qijia Culture in Prehistoric Eastern Asia

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21 ancient mitochondrial genomes reveal Qijia maternal diversity at Lajia.

This study sequenced 21 complete mitochondrial genomes from the Lajia site, belonging to the Qijia culture in northwest China. The maternal lineages are diverse, including B5b4, F1g, A18, A7, A14, and G1c1. These lineages suggest genetic connections across East Asia and the Eurasian steppe, helping clarify the Qijia people's origins and their role in prehistoric cultural exchanges.

• 21 complete mitochondrial genomes were recovered from the Lajia site, all associated with the Qijia culture.
• The maternal gene pool is diverse, with B5b4 and F1g each appearing three times, and A18, A7, A14 each twice.
• These lineages indicate genetic links between East Asia and the Eurasian steppe during the Qijia period.

Sample interpretation

The dataset includes 21 individuals from the Lajia site, all from the Qijia culture. No Y-chromosome data were resolved, so only maternal lines are reported. The most common mitochondrial haplogroups are B5b4 (3 samples) and F1g (3 samples), followed by A18, A7, and A14 (2 samples each), and G1c1 (1 sample). This suggests a mixed maternal ancestry rather than a single origin.

For genealogy enthusiasts

For ancestry enthusiasts, this study shows that Qijia maternal lineages were diverse and connected to both East Asian and steppe populations. It highlights the importance of ancient mtDNA in tracing prehistoric female-mediated gene flow in northwest China.