In a remarkable discovery, two 7,000-year-old mummies were found in the Libyan Sahara, perfectly preserved in the Takarkori rock shelter. Archaeologists unearthed these ancient remains during excavations focused on early human burials.
A study published in Nature suggests these women lived during the African Humid Period, a time when the Sahara was lush with rivers and grasslands instead of sandy deserts.
Led by Nada Salem from the Max Planck Institute, the research analyzed DNA from the mummies’ teeth and leg bones. Interestingly, it revealed that they belonged to a previously unknown genetic lineage, separate from modern populations in the region.
This lineage seems to have split from sub-Saharan ancestors about 50,000 years ago, coinciding with the migration of various human groups out of Africa. As the study notes, this unique genetic branch does not connect to contemporary populations.
“DNA extracted from two pastoralist women who were buried at the rock shelter reveals that most of their ancestry traces back to an ancient North African lineage,” said Louise Humphrey, a research leader at the Natural History Museum.
This underscores earlier findings that the individuals buried at Takarkori likely lived and died in the same area, relying on local resources.
Another intriguing aspect is the low percentage of Neanderthal DNA—only 0.15%—found in the mummies. This level is significantly lower than what’s typically seen in people whose ancestors lived outside Africa. It suggests that the Takarkori population had minimal interactions with groups from the Near East, highlighting their isolation.
Accompanying the mummies were tools and animal remains indicating a pastoral lifestyle, including cattle, sheep, and goats. The DNA analysis shows no evidence of intermixing with farming communities from Europe or the Levant. Researchers believe this points to cultural diffusion; local groups adopted herding practices without outside influence. This is reflected in the artifacts found, showing gradual adaptation rather than abrupt change.
This discovery not only enriches our understanding of ancient populations in Africa but also illustrates how communities can evolve and adapt to their environment over long periods. Such insights help clarify the intricate web of human history and our evolving relationship with the land.
