DNA Study Uncovers Elite Inbreeding and Child Sacrifice in Ancient Paquimé

Analysis of a unique burial reveals close-kin mating among elites and ritual sacrifice in pre-Columbian Mexico.

A child buried in Paquimé was found to have parents more closely related than first cousins.
The burial site, known as the House of the Well, indicates the child was from an elite lineage.
Researchers suggest the child was sacrificed to consecrate a ritually significant building.
The findings provide new insights into the social hierarchy and religious practices of the Mogollon culture.
Further DNA analysis is planned to understand the genetic structure of ancient populations in the region.