Analysis of hair from 22 mummies found in southern Peru has revealed the earliest known use of San Pedro cactus, a source of mescaline, as well as other psychoactive plants that make up the drug ayahuasca. The majority of these mummies were unearthed in Cahuachi, a religious center utilized by the Nazca people starting around 100 B.C. Among the substances detected in the mummies’ hair were coca plants and the Banisteriopsis caapi plant, better known as the liana vine. These plants are not native to the region and were likely transported across the Andes Mountains. Researchers discovered that the preferred drugs changed over time; ayahuasca and mescaline became less favored, while coca consumption increased after the Wari Empire conquered the Nazca around A.D. 750.
This shift may reflect changes in religious rituals associated with human sacrifice. The discovery included four trophy heads, one of which belonged to a child, indicating they were sacrificial victims. However, there is little evidence regarding the role psychoactive substances played in these rituals. Bioarchaeologist Dagmara Socha of the University of Warsaw suggests that the antidepressant effects of these drugs might have been a significant reason for their use. She speculates, “In the case of the children who were sacrificed, they were given Banisteriopsis caapi, probably because it was important for them to go happily to the gods.”
These findings highlight the complex interplay between psychoactive substances and ancient religious practices. The use of these plants reveals a sophisticated understanding of their effects, suggesting that the Nazca and later the Wari, incorporated them into their rituals for specific purposes, possibly to alter consciousness or provide psychological relief to sacrificial victims. As we continue to study these ancient practices, we gain a deeper understanding of how early civilizations utilized natural resources to enhance their spiritual and ritualistic experiences.
The transport of these plants across the Andes also points to extensive trade networks and cultural exchanges among ancient civilizations. The changing patterns of drug use over time offer insights into the evolving religious and social landscapes of the Nazca and Wari empires. By examining these shifts, researchers can better understand the cultural dynamics that influenced these ancient peoples and the broader historical context in which they lived.
In conclusion, the analysis of the mummies’ hair from southern Peru sheds light on the early use of psychoactive substances and their role in ancient rituals. This remarkable discovery not only uncovers new aspects of the Nazca and Wari cultures but also provides valuable perspectives on the ways in which human societies have historically sought to explore and understand the realms of consciousness and spirituality.
