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Introduction. The paper develops the idea of a hypothesized ethnogenetic succession of the Chonos and related groups from the legendary Bӧrtä-Čïno within the ‘Mongol’ Y-chromosomal subclade of R2a-M124 among Kalmyks (Oirats and Mongols at large), attempts ethnonymic reconstructions for potential ancestral communities from the designated period. Goals. The study attempts an analysis of ethnographic, linguistic and historical data proper in light of R2a-M124 Y-STR haplotypes of Kalmyks, and deepens the hypothesis suggesting ethnohistorical (ethnogenetic) succession of Oirats and Mongols’ ancestors from nomads (and other groups) of the Early and High Middle Ages. Materials and methods. The work investigates classical historical chronicles and treatises on Turkic and Mongolian studies, employs an interdisciplinary approach with the aid of tools inherent to system analysis, historical reconstruction, etc. Results. The article draws parallels between the ethnic names ‘Dörbän’, ‘Durban’ and ‘Dorbet’. It hypothesizes as to potential roots of the male ancestral line at earliest stages of the Mongolian and Oirat ethnogenesis, not excepting the possibility of its Sogdian origin via Ashina Turks within their vassal Toquz Oghuz elites (since the mid-sixth century CE). Finally, the paper tends to identify some ethnic communities from the designated era represented in totemic genealogical myths of Turko-Mongols, and sets forth a narrative of potential ethnohistorical succession of Bukhus Kalmyks from the medieval Bugu (Pugu).

Introduction. Despite the centuries-long research, ethnic history of Kalmyks (Oirats) and Mongols at large still contains a number of unanswered questions. Recent academic insights into gene pools of Eurasian and, specifically, Mongolian peoples may be instrumental in revising some aspects of history, refuting others, and confirming the remainder. The Kalmyk gene pool investigation has so far been reduced to the level of sub-ethnic groups, while it is that of clans claiming common patrilineal descent which seems most promising when it comes to the study of Turko-Mongolian nomads. Goals. The paper attempts an analysis of Kalmyk R2a-M124 Y-STR haplotypes by clans and articulates a hypothesis as to possible ethnohistorical roots of the lineage. Materials. The study examines a total of forty three STR haplotypes of the mentioned Y-chromosomal subclade identified by Kalmyk Scientific Center (RAS) with the aid of AmpFLSTR YfilerTM Plus PCR Reagents. Results. The study shows bearers of the subclade largely represent Kalmyk clans with names containing the lexical unit ‘chonos’, and ones attesting to the clans had been founded by some noblemen, namely: Taichiud (Kalm. тәәҗүд ‘tayijis, princes’), Khashikhanar (Kalm. хашхнр ‘chiefs of appanages, governors’), Saiduud (Kalm. сәәдүд ‘superior ones, noblemen’), Kha(а)nud (Kalm. хаануд ‘Khans, rulers’). The paper articulates a hypothesis suggesting the lineage may descend from rulers of the Khoid Oirats and via the latter — from Quduqa-bäki of the medieval Oyïrad, and even further up to Duwa-soqor and the legendary ancestor of all Mongols — Bӧrtä-Čïno.

Abstract Background By using a historical approach we attempt to answer the question of whether the “dogs” of Fuegian and Patagonian peoples are a domesticated dog (Canis lupus familiaris) or a tamed or domesticated Culpeo “fox” (Lycalopex culpaeus), or a cross breed. Methods and results We reviewed historical chronicles and current scientific papers, and clarified several rather confusing concepts, providing disambiguation for terms such as Magellanic region, Patagonia, and Tierra del Fuego; Fuegian and Patagonian peoples; and Fuegian and Patagonian dogs. We conclude that these dogs belong to two different canid varieties: The smaller domestic dog typical of the “canoe-indians” (Chonos, Kawesqar, and Yahgan peoples) and the larger tamed or domesticated Culpeo “fox" typical of the “foot indians” (Aonikenk, Manek'enk, and Selk’nam peoples, thus proposing the use of Fuegian and Patagonian dog, respectively. Discussion We think that the original Fuegian dog was indeed a Canis lupus familiaris brought along by the natives after the Bering’s crossing and that the Patagonian dog was a tame Culpeo fox Lycalopex culpaeus, which was progressively replaced by the more gregarious, human friendly, and colorful domestic dogs brought by European explorers, adventurers, colonizers, and settlers of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego during the mid to late 1800s. The possibility that the Patagonian dog was a cross between domestic dog and Culpeo “fox” cannot be ruled out, but the only specimen genetically analyzed was closest to being the latter and not a hybrid.

Background: By using a historical approach we attempt to answer the question of whether the "dogs" of Fuegian and Patagonian peoples are a domesticated dog (Canis lupus familiaris) or a tamed or domesticated Culpeo "fox" (Lycalopex culpaeus), or a cross breed. Methods and results: We reviewed historical chronicles and current scientific papers, and clarified several rather confusing concepts, providing disambiguation for terms such as Magellanic region, Patagonia, and Tierra del Fuego; Fuegian and Patagonian peoples; and Fuegian and Patagonian dogs. We conclude that these dogs belong to two different canid varieties: The smaller domestic dog typical of the "canoe-indians" (Chonos, Kawesqar, and Yahgan peoples) and the larger tamed or domesticated Culpeo "fox" typical of the "foot indians" (Aonikenk, Manek'enk, and Selk'nam peoples, thus proposing the use of Fuegian and Patagonian dog, respectively. Discussion: We think that the original Fuegian dog was indeed a Canis lupus familiaris brought along by the natives after the Bering's crossing and that the Patagonian dog was a tame Culpeo fox Lycalopex culpaeus, which was progressively replaced by the more gregarious, human friendly, and colorful domestic dogs brought by European explorers, adventurers, colonizers, and settlers of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego during the mid to late 1800s. The possibility that the Patagonian dog was a cross between domestic dog and Culpeo "fox" cannot be ruled out, but the only specimen genetically analyzed was closest to being the latter and not a hybrid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La historia de los pueblos aborígenes del extremo sur de Sudamérica se caracteriza por el poblamiento de dos grandes grupos culturales: los cazadores terrestres y los canoeros. No obstante estas poblaciones habitaron ambientes contrastantes, ellas desarrollaron contactos en varias zonas, produciéndose como resultado un rico intercambio cultural y biológico. Directa e indirectamente, el proceso colonizador europeo tuvo como consecuencia la rápida extinción de estos grupos aborígenes. El presente trabajo evalúa los cambios patológicos en restos óseos de indígenas Chonos en comparación con aquellos observados en grupos Fueguinos. La muestra esta compuesta por aproximadamente 96 individuos Chonos y 38 Fueguinos. Los resultados señalan una fuerte correlación entre morbilidad y factores asociados al estilo de vida cazador-recolector, es decir, gran estrés físico, deficiencias nutricionales, etc. Los restos de Chonos exhiben una elevada prevalencia de enfermedades infecciosas y lesiones osteoarticulares. Estas y otras condiciones patológicas tienden a caracterizar a esta etnia como un grupo en crisis -biológica y cultural- al momento del contacto con los europeos.The history of the aboriginal peoples of the southern tip of South America is characterized by the cultural development of two major groups: terrestrial hunters and canoe indians. Although these groups lived in contrasting environments they maintained contact in various zones, thus enjoying a rich cultural and biological exchange. The European colonization process brought about, directly and indirectly, the rapid extinction of these populations. This study evaluates pathological changes in skeletons of Chono Indians as compared to those observed in Fuegian groups. The sample consists of approximately 96 Chono individuals and 38 Fuegians. The study results show a strong correlation between morbidity and factors related to the hunting and gathering way of life, i.e., great physical stress, nutritional deficiency, etc. The Chono remains show a high prevalence of infectious diseases together with a number of osteoarticular disorders. These and other pathological conditions tend to characterize the Chono as a group in crisis - in a biological and cultural sense - at the time of the contact with the Europeans.