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Haplogroup N1a2a

N1a2a-M2118

Macro-haplogroup
K
Parent clade
N1a2
Formed (estimate)
c. 12,000–16,000 years before present
TMRCA (estimate)
c. 6,000–9,000 years ago

Overview

N1a2a (M2118) is the main western Siberian branch of N1a2 and forms a central element of the paternal ancestry of several Ob Ugrian and Samoyedic groups. It emerged among early Holocene forest and forest tundra foragers in western Siberia, probably in regions draining toward the Ob and Irtysh rivers. Over time, N1a2a became associated with mobile hunter fisher and later reindeer herding populations that linked the Ural region with central and northern Siberia.

Geographic distribution

N1a2a is frequent among Khanty and Mansi in western Siberia, and among Nenets and Selkup populations. It also appears in some Komi and northern Russian groups that have a documented history of contacts with Samoyedic and Ob Ugrian peoples. Lower but notable frequencies are found eastward into central Siberia and sporadically in the Volga Ural region.

Ancient DNA

  • Neolithic archaeological contexts in western Siberia, especially along the middle Ob and Irtysh, show paternal lineages compatible with early N1a2a differentiation.
  • Bronze Age and Iron Age remains linked to forest and tundra cultures of western Siberia carry N1a2a related haplotypes, suggesting continuity between prehistoric foragers and later pastoralist and herding populations.
  • Ancient DNA from early historic Nenets and Samoyedic associated burials confirms the presence of N1a2a among populations practicing reindeer herding and long distance seasonal mobility in the tundra and forest tundra zones.

Phylogeny & subclades

N1a2a is defined by M2118 and downstream clusters such as Z35159. Its internal phylogeny is structured into branches that correspond well to modern ethnolinguistic groups, with some microclades concentrated in Ob Ugrian populations and others more frequent among northern Samoyeds.

  • N1a2a1 (Ob Ugrian oriented branch)
  • N1a2a2 (Samoyedic and tundra populations)
  • Basal N1a2a* lineages in western Siberia

Notes & context

N1a2a is a key lineage for understanding the formation of Ob Ugrian and Samoyedic groups and the spread of reindeer herding and other northern subsistence traditions across the tundra and forest tundra belt.