Spirit Eye Cave: Reestablishing provenience of trafficked prehistoric human remains using a composite collection-based ancient DNA approach

•Two burials were relocated and reconnected to a former pay-to-dig cave.•Reported are the results of mtDNA, radiocarbon dating, and stable isotope analysis.•14C results indicate interments date to a period of dramatic regional cultural change.•Mitochondrial haplogroup B2a4a1 was identified in both interred individuals.•The results establish methods for dealing with looted sites and private collections.