Ancient DNA unravels the truth behind the controversial GUS Greenlandic Norse fur samples: the bison was a horse, and the muskox and bears were goats

TY - JOUR

T1 - Ancient DNA unravels the truth behind the controversial GUS Greenlandic Norse fur samples

T2 - the bison was a horse, and the muskox and bears were goats

AU - Sinding, Mikkel Holger Strander

AU - Arneborg, Jette

AU - Nyegaard, Georg

AU - Gilbert, M. Thomas P.

PY - 2015/1/1

Y1 - 2015/1/1

N2 - The Norse Greenlandic archaeological site known as 'the Farm Beneath the Sand' (GUS) has sourced many well-preserved and unique archaeological artefacts. Some of the most controversial finds are tufts of hair, which previous morphological-based examination concluded derive from bison, black bear, brown bear and muskox, all species whose natural presence in South Greenland is unlikely. If true, the consequences are potentially significant, as they could imply Viking trading with, or hunting within, North America. To validate these previous findings, we genetically profiled the samples, through mitochondrial 16S DNA analysis. The results revealed that the putative bison was, in fact horse, while the bears and muskox were goat. The results demonstrate the importance of using genetic analyses to validate results derived from morphological analyses on hair, in particular where such studies lead to sensational claims. CE 1150 and the latter half of the 1300s.

AB - The Norse Greenlandic archaeological site known as 'the Farm Beneath the Sand' (GUS) has sourced many well-preserved and unique archaeological artefacts. Some of the most controversial finds are tufts of hair, which previous morphological-based examination concluded derive from bison, black bear, brown bear and muskox, all species whose natural presence in South Greenland is unlikely. If true, the consequences are potentially significant, as they could imply Viking trading with, or hunting within, North America. To validate these previous findings, we genetically profiled the samples, through mitochondrial 16S DNA analysis. The results revealed that the putative bison was, in fact horse, while the bears and muskox were goat. The results demonstrate the importance of using genetic analyses to validate results derived from morphological analyses on hair, in particular where such studies lead to sensational claims. CE 1150 and the latter half of the 1300s.

U2 - 10.1016/j.jas.2014.10.028

DO - 10.1016/j.jas.2014.10.028

M3 - Journal article

SN - 0305-4403

VL - 53

SP - 297

EP - 303

JO - Journal of Archaeological Science

JF - Journal of Archaeological Science

ER -