Abstract
In the present study, we performed detailed personal identification of the two molars unearthed from the Shitsukari-Abe cave in Aomori, Japan. By morphological analysis, each molar was identified as left lower third or second molar and right upper second molar, respectively. Both of the molars were subjected to stable isotope ratio analysis, and their carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios were very similar. Direct 14 C dating of these samples resulted in 4286–4080 calBP (68.2%) and 4280–4080 calBP calBP (68.2%), respectively. MtDNA sequences of the molars were identical, and were designated to haplogroup D4h2, which is observed in Hokkaido Jomon people and present-day Ulchi people inhabiting lower Amur region of Siberia. STR analyses could be successfully performed for both specimens in all regions examined, and the results were identical. By combining the results of the analyses described earlier, it is highly possible that these two molars were derived from the same individual. This is the first case in which Jomon skeletal materials that have lost their anatomical articulations were securely confirmed to be originated from the same individual.
