Dental evidences to the problem of the Valdivia culture (Ecuador) origin: first results

The article is devoted to the first investigation of dental samples from South America. The issue about genesis of the pottery from Valdivia culture (Ecuador, 5,5-3,5 ka BP) is one of the most questionable in South American archaeology. The origin of Valdivia suggested to be connected with earlier Las- Vegas culture. But the last is preceramic and there is a time hiatus of about 1000 years between the latest Las-Vegas dates and the earliest Valdivia. So the hypothesis about migration from other region was suggested. The result of the comparison of the Valdivia dental series from the Real-Alto site (Santa Elena peninsula) with the earliest groups from Southern Peru, Northern Chili and Brasilia reveals absence of biological affinities between them and Valdivia people.