Ancient DNA sheds light on the funerary practices of late Neolithic collective burial in southern France

The Aven de la Boucle (Corconne, Gard, Southern France) is a karst shaft
used as a collective burial between 3,600 and 2,800 cal BCE. The site
encompasses the skeletal remains of approximately 75 individuals
comprising a large majority of adult individuals, represented by scattered
and commingled remains. To date, few studies have explored the potential
of ancient DNA to tackle the documentation of Neolithic collective
burials, and the funerary selection rules within such structures remain
largely debated. In this study, we combine genomic analysis of 37
individuals with archaeo-anthropological data and bayesian modelling of
radiocarbon dates. Through this multidisciplinary approach, we aim to
characterize the identity of the deceased and their relationships, as well
as untangle the genetic diversity and funerary dynamics of this
community. Genomic results identify 76% of male Neolithic
individuals, suggesting a marked sex-biased selection. Available data
emphasize the importance of biological relatedness and a male-mediated
transmission of social status, as the affiliation to a specific
male-lineage appears as a preponderant selection factor. The genomic
results argue in favor of “continuous” deposits between 3,600 and 2,800
BCE, carried out by the same community, despite cultural changes reflected
by the ceramic material.