Ancient DNA Under Scrutiny: Review of Interdisciplinary Reflections on Knowledge, Power, and Identity

Abstract

As the first comprehensive inquiry of its kind, Critical Perspectives on Ancient DNA critically interrogates the practices, narratives, and sociocultural effects of archaeogenetics. Bringing together scholars from anthropology, archaeology, genetics, cultural history, media studies, and science and technology studies, the collection examines the epistemological and ontological challenges of ancient DNA (aDNA) research. Key themes include the fallibility of aDNA as incontrovertible evidence, the epistemic dominance of genetic frameworks over alternative knowledge systems, the risks of scientific racism and political instrumentalization, and the role of media in shaping public imaginaries of the past. Through case studies ranging from Neanderthal DNA to the “female Viking warrior” and genetic mapping in contemporary China, the chapters demonstrate that aDNA knowledge emerges not solely from laboratory analysis but from complex interactions between science, culture, and society. The volume ultimately challenges DNA essentialism and calls for interdisciplinary collaboration to resist molecular chauvinism, foregrounding the cultural contingencies and interpretive dimensions of archaeogenetics.