A team of scientists at the National University of Colombia announced a remarkable discovery of a previously unknown human lineage after sequencing the DNA of archaeological remains excavated near the capital Bogotá. The group, named “Chicúa” after the area in the Nemocón municipality where the remains were found in 1992, dates back approximately 6000 years and its genome had never been fully sequenced before. Dr. Andrea Casas, a researcher at the university’s Genetics Institute, explained that when comparing these remains with individuals from other parts of the Americas, they found a previously unreported lineage. The discoveries include partial remains of about 30 individuals and one nearly intact skull. DNA from six individuals was sequenced sufficiently to be included in the project, which also involves other remains excavated between 1987 and 2003.

Unlike “Chicúa,” other remains shared genetic traits with those found in Panama, indicating migration through Central America and Colombia during the southward spread of human populations from the Bering Strait 20,000 years ago. The origin and fate of the “Chicúa” group remain uncertain, but they likely represented a nomadic community of hunter-gatherers. Dr. Casas suggested the group may have become extinct due to climate conditions, disease, or food scarcity, with no known descendants. Dr. José Vicente Rodríguez, professor of physical anthropology, noted the “Chicúa” skull is notably more elongated than others from the Bogotá plateau and showed signs of abscesses in the upper front jaw, indicating tooth loss due to infection. Volcanic eruptions may have influenced early inhabitants’ diets, pushing them to consume root vegetables like potatoes and tubers.