Jacqueline Hernández Mejía - Ancient DNA analysis for identification of birds present in feathered artifacts from pre-Hispanic cultures of the Peruvian coast

Pre-Hispanic featherwork from the Túcume site in northern Peru.

Home institution and supervisors
Letty Salinas and César Arana. UNMSM, Perú.

Host institution and supervisors
Michael D. Martin. NTNU, Norway. 2025.

Project description
The project aims to employ ancient DNA sequencing (genomics, metagenomics) to identify the taxonomic status of feathers used by pre-Hispanic cultures of the Peruvian coast. The secondary aim is to elucidate how the birds and their feathers were used in these societies, as well as their significance. To achieve this, DNA will be extracted from archaeological feather samples present in textiles and other artifacts, applying protocols specific to degraded genetic material. The ancient DNA sequence data will be applied to a custom-generated reference database of sequences from modern birds. Sequencing and molecular analysis should allow the determination of avian species at the taxonomic level, which will provide information about the diversity of birds used, their possible exchange routes, and their cultural relevance, thus enriching knowledge about the interactions between humans and birds in the pre-Hispanic context of the region.