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Haplogroup C2b3

C2b3-F1396

Macro-haplogroup

Parent clade

C2b

Formed (estimate)

c. 17,000–22,000 years before present

TMRCA (estimate)

c. 6,000–9,000 years ago

F1396
Z33120
Z33275

Overview

C2b3 (F1396) represents a Wallacea-centered branch of the C2b radiation. It emerged among early Holocene maritime populations in the islands separating Asia from Sahul. Its structure suggests sustained interaction between Austronesian-associated populations and Papuan-derived communities. C2b3 thus forms a genetic bridge between Southeast Asia and Melanesia, reflecting one of the most dynamic contact zones in human prehistory.

Geographic distribution

C2b3 is most common in eastern Indonesia (particularly Maluku, Timor, Flores), coastal Papua, and parts of the Bismarck Archipelago. Minor occurrences appear in the Philippines and Micronesia.

Ancient DNA

Early Holocene individuals from Wallacea show paternal markers consistent with upstream C2b3 ancestry.
Proto-Austronesian layers from eastern Indonesia include lineages clustering with F1396.
Papuan–Austronesian contact-era burials exhibit haplotypes linked to C2b3 diversification.

Phylogeny & subclades

C2b3 is defined by SNPs F1396 and Z33120. It forms a sister group to C2b1 and C2b2, representing populations exposed to Papuan–Austronesian admixture events.

C2b3a
C2b3b
C2b3*

Notes & context