Scientists claim that the use of stimulants for healing and rituals was quite common.
Recently, scientists analyzed the skull of an ancient child’s mummy. It was sacrificed thousands of years ago in an ancient ritual.
During this ritual, the head was cut off and made into a trophy. However, a hair from the skull shows that the child used a psychedelic substance. Science notice.
His head is associated with the Nazca society. It is said to have existed in the pre-Hispanic era, from 3500 BC until 476 AD. The preserved skull was one of 22 human remains found off the southern coast of Peru.
The excavations were carried out as part of a study that began in 1982. Scientists claim that the child consumed the psychoactive cactus before he died. It was kind of a part of the ceremony. The age and sex of the child are unknown. However, this is the first time that a cactus in San Pedro (Echinopsis pachanoi) has been consumed by a person on the Peruvian coast.
The cactus is known for its hallucinogenic properties. For a long time indigenous civilizations have used it for healing. Sometimes – for rituals. The find also indicates that some victims were given stimulants before they died.
During the study, analyzes were taken from 4 trophy skulls and 18 mummies. It turned out that the cactus was not the only psychoactive substance. Some used coca leaves. It is a fairly well known source of the psychoactive substance cocaine. The experiment also found traces of Banisteriopsis caapi, the main compound in ayahusak. It is a hallucinogenic drink containing harmine and harmaline. These two compounds are used in modern antidepressants.
Scientists have also tried to trace the origin of the substances. In particular it is said that coca leaves were not grown on the southern coast of Peru, so they were brought from the north or the Amazon region. The researchers concluded that the drugs were used from 100 BC until 450 AD.
Previously, similar studies have been conducted. One of these belonged to Rainer Brussman, a professor of ethnobiology at the Institute of Botany of Elia State University in Tbilisi, Georgia. He also studied the trade routes of plants in this part of the world. Then he discovered that they were only used for medicinal or ceremonial purposes.
The lead author of the latest study, Dagmara Socha, noted that there are still doubts about the widespread consumption of these plants in the Nazca culture.
Even at the burial sites, the team found a variety of things, including textiles, pottery, and various tools.
Recall that previously Focus has written about new details on the death of Neanderthals. Scientists speculate this it happened due to the ignition of sex.
Focus also wrote on discovery of precious Viking treasures in Stockholm.
