Ancient DNA reveals a two-clanned matrilineal community in Neolithic China

Jincheng Wang, Shi Yan, Zhenguang Li, Jinguo Zan, Yichao Zhao, Jin Zhao, Kui Chen, Xueye Wang, Ting Ji, Cheng Zhang, Tingyu Yang, Tianming Zhang, Rui Qiao, Meilin Guo, Zongyue Rao, Jiashuo Zhang, Guanbo Wang, Zhiyu Ran, Chen Duan, Fan Zhang, Yin Song, Xiaohong Wu, Ruth Mace, Bo Sun (), Yuhong Pang (), Yanyi Huang (), Hai Zhang () and Chao Ning ()
Additional contact information
Jincheng Wang: Peking University
Shi Yan: Minzu University of China
Zhenguang Li: Shandong Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology
Jinguo Zan: Shandong Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology
Yichao Zhao: Shandong Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology
Jin Zhao: Dongying Museum
Kui Chen: Cultural Relics Protection and Archaeological Research Institute of Shandong
Xueye Wang: Sichuan University
Ting Ji: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Cheng Zhang: Minzu University of China
Tingyu Yang: Peking University
Tianming Zhang: Peking University
Rui Qiao: Peking University
Meilin Guo: Peking University
Zongyue Rao: Peking University
Jiashuo Zhang: Jilin University
Guanbo Wang: Peking University
Zhiyu Ran: Peking University
Chen Duan: Peking University
Fan Zhang: Sichuan University
Yin Song: Peking University
Xiaohong Wu: Peking University
Ruth Mace: University College London
Bo Sun: Shandong Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology
Yuhong Pang: Peking University
Yanyi Huang: Peking University
Hai Zhang: Peking University
Chao Ning: Peking University

Nature, 2025, vol. 643, issue 8074, 1304-1311

Abstract: Abstract Studies of ancient DNA from cemeteries provide valuable insights into early human societies, and have strongly indicated patrilocality1–10. Here, we analysed ancient DNA alongside archaeological contexts and multiple stable isotopic data from 60 individuals in 2 separate cemeteries at the Fujia archaeological site in eastern China, dating between 2750 and 2500 bce. Our findings suggest the existence of an early-described matrilineal community in the Neolithic period, characterized by high endogamy and a population practicing millet agriculture near the coast. Evidence of intermarriage between individuals in the two cemeteries and the presence of both primary and secondary burials, organized strictly according to maternal clans, underscore a strong sense of social cohesion and identity at Fujia. Bayesian modelling of radiocarbon dates indicates that the two cemeteries were used for approximately 250 years, implying a stable matrilineal lineage spanning at least 10 generations. This study contributes to the ongoing debate in anthropology and archaeology11, not only suggesting the existence of a matrilineal society in early human history but also revealing a pair of Neolithic cemeteries organized around two matrilineal clans, furthering our understanding of the early evolution of human societies through kinship systems.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09103-x

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