They noted that the concept of “race” as applied to skeletons was scientifically problematic.

Some researchers proposed that Kennewick Man’s features might connect him to the Ainu — the Indigenous people of Japan’s northern islands — or to Polynesian populations.

Both groups have skeletal characteristics that differ from East Asian and modern Native American populations in ways that might explain the unusual features of the Kennewick skull.

The Ainu connection was particularly interesting because the Ainu are themselves a poorly understood population whose ancient history is complex and contested.

They have been in Japan for a very long time, possibly representing an ancient population that preceded the ancestors of modern Japanese people.

Some genetic and linguistic evidence suggests they are part of a broader ancient population that spread across northeastern Asia and possibly into the Americas.

Nobody could agree.

Nobody had enough information.

The bones were in federal custody.

The lawsuit was proceeding through the courts.