Tarim mummies in China show Ancient North Eurasian ancestry

Archaeological findings in the Tarim Basin of northwestern China have revealed well-preserved mummies dating from approximately 2,135 to 1,623 BCE. Known as the Tarim mummies, these remains were discovered in ancient cemeteries and settlements across the Xinjiang region.

Genetic and physical analysis indicates these individuals possessed high levels of Ancient North Eurasian ancestry. Many of the mummies feature intact hair in shades of blonde, red, and brown, often styled in long, curly, or braided patterns. Additionally, these individuals were notably tall compared to neighboring populations of that era, with some reaching heights of 6 feet or more.