Latest news with #Chavín
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Archaeologists Have Found Evidence of a Drug Room and ‘Snuff Tubes' at an Ancient Site in Peru
Archaeologists have discovered evidence of psychedelic drug use and 'snuff tubes" in a previously sealed-off room at an ancient site in Peru The researchers found the room at Chavín de Huántar, a major archaeological site in the Peruvian highlands constructed by the Chavín, a pre-Incan culture that flourished between 900 and 200 B.C. The small size of the room has led archaeologists to hypothesize that only a few Chavín elite were allowed to partake in the ritualistic drug useArchaeologists have discovered evidence of psychedelic drug use and 'snuff tubes" in a formally sealed-off chamber at an ancient site in Peru, according to a new study. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal PNAS, states that the previously unknown chamber was discovered at Chavín de Huántar, an archaeological site in the Peruvian highlands constructed by the Chavín, a major pre-Incan culture that thrived between 900 and 200 B.C. The room was found to contain 23 artifacts 'associated with consumption of psychoactive plants' — including hollowed-out bird bones thought to be used as 'snuff tubes.' Further micro-botanical and chemical analyses confirmed traces of 'psychoactive plants" — also known as hallucinogens — and six of them specifically contained traces of tobacco and DMT, a drug commonly found in ayahuasca. The study's authors note that while Chavín rituals involving hallucinogenic drugs have 'long been hypothesized,' this is the first time these substances have been directly identified at the site. "The tubes are analogous to the rolled-up bills that high-rollers snort cocaine through in the movies," Daniel Contreras, an archaeologist at the University of Florida, told Live Science. "The tubes would have been used — we think — as inhalers for taking the snuff through the nose,' he added. Chavín de Huántar, located in the Peruvian highlands, was a center for ritual activity, according to the outlet. The large complex is made up of stone structures built around open plazas, and as additional structures were added over time, several rooms became interior spaces — which is how the room containing the 23 artifacts became hidden. In a statement to CBS News, Contreras further noted that the small size of the interior rooms — which could only hold a few people at a time — could indicate that drug use was used to reinforce social hierarchy, and that perhaps only an elite class was allowed to partake. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "This is compelling evidence that psychoactive plants were part of formalized and tightly-controlled rituals rather than individual vision-quests or shamanic healing practices," Contreras told the outlet. "As such, they seem to have been an important element in the long-term transition from small egalitarian societies to large stratified ones, where social, political, and economic inequality were thought of as normal and to be expected rather than unusual," he added. Read the original article on People
Gizmodo
13-05-2025
- Science
- Gizmodo
Psychedelics Allowed Ancient Peruvians to Consolidate Power, Study Says
In a new study, archaeologists uncovered 2,500-year-old psychoactive drug paraphernalia in an archaeological site in the Peruvian highlands. Ancient Peruvians likely used psychedelics during intricate and exclusive rituals, according to the study's authors. The study, published May 5 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that the ancient Chavín people, a pre-Incan society that dwelt in the Peruvian Andes, consumed tobacco and hallucinogenic plants during secretive rituals open only to an elite few. Chavín leaders may have controlled access to these trippy experiences as a way to gain prestige and influence. 'Taking psychoactives was not just about seeing visions. It was part of a tightly controlled ritual, likely reserved for a select few, reinforcing the social hierarchy,' Daniel Contreras, anthropological archaeologist at the University of Florida and co-author of the new study, said in a statement. Researchers already knew that intricate rituals were a big part of Chavín culture. To learn more about these rituals, a group of researchers from universities in the United States and in South America analyzed artifacts found at Chavín de Huántar, a UNESCO world heritage site in the Peruvian highlands. There, inside monumental stone structures, they uncovered what they suspected was ancient drug paraphernalia: hollow, cigarette-sized tubes made from bird bones. When the scientists conducted microscopic and chemical analyses of the hollow tubes, they found traces of a molecule similar to dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a powerful psychoactive compound that naturally occurs in plants that are native to Peru. DMT can cause brief, intense trips, complete with hallucinations. Researchers found these 'snuff tubes' in small private chambers, suggesting that access to the drugs was likely quite exclusive. Chavín people likely weren't using these drugs to have a good time. The scientists speculate that through these rituals, leaders established themselves as connected to the mystical and supernatural. By controlling access to these wild and powerful experiences, leaders might have been able to cement their status. So, these hallucinatory rituals might have also spurred fundamental changes in Chavín society, the study finds. The Chavín have been linked to earlier, more egalitarian societies. But the controlled access to weird, mystical experiences may help explain the transition over to the hierarchical societies that came later. 'The supernatural world isn't necessarily friendly, but it's powerful,' Contreras said. 'These rituals, often enhanced by psychoactives, were compelling, transformative experiences that reinforced belief systems and social structures.'
Scottish Sun
12-05-2025
- Science
- Scottish Sun
Inside 3,000-year-old ‘drug den' where humans used BONES to take hallucinogens in ‘terrifying' mystery ritual of visions
There may be a very surprising reason for the bizarre ritual GAME OF BONES Inside 3,000-year-old 'drug den' where humans used BONES to take hallucinogens in 'terrifying' mystery ritual of visions Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MYSTERIOUS ancient society was using hollowed-out bones to take drugs inside an "exclusive" psychedelics chamber. The long-abandoned drug den was where ancient Andeans would consume hallucinogens as part of strange "vision-seeing" rituals. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Ancient chambers that could only hold a few people at a time were used for consuming hallucinogens Credit: Rick et al., PNAS, 2025 8 The chambers were an exclusive space where "terrifying" drug-fuelled vision-seeing rituals were held Credit: Daniel Contreras 8 Ancient Andeans would use carved hollowed-out bone tools to take drugs Credit: Daniel Contreras This "Chavín" society lived in the Andes two thousand years before the Inca empire. And scientists say these lesser-known people "access to altered states of consciousness" by taking psychedelics. Scientists say the drug-consuming bone tools are the earliest evidence of the use of "psychoactive plants" in the Peruvian Andes. The hollow bones were turned into ancient snuff tubes, and were found in stone chambers inside a prehistoric ritual site. It's called Chavín de Huántar, a ceremonial site high up in the mountains of Peru, at an elevation of around 10,000 feet. They would conduct "exclusive rituals" inside private chambers that could only hold a few people at a time. Researchers say this would've created an "air of mystique and control". "Taking psychoactives was not just about seeing visions," said archaeologist Daniel Contreras, who worked on the discovery. "It was part of a tightly controlled ritual, likely reserved for a select few, reinforcing the social hierarchy." These chambers were contained inside massive stone structures at the site – and were built around 3,000 years ago, before being sealed 500 years later. 'Once in a century' Pompeii discovery as ancient luxury SPA is saved from ashes with thermal baths & stunning mosaic And they would've had "profound, even terrifying" experiences after taking the drugs. "To those who inhaled, the supernatural might have felt like a force beyond comprehension," the University of Florida explained. "And that was precisely the point. "By controlling access to these altered states, Chavín's rulers established a potent ideology. 8 The chambers were tucked inside monument stone structures at Chavín de Huántar Credit: Daniel Contreras 8 The purpose of Chavín de Huántar and its rituals have long been a mystery Credit: Daniel Contreras 8 The Chavín de Huántar archaeological site sits at an elevation of 10,000 feet Credit: Daniel Contreras "And convinced their people that their leadership was intertwined with mystical power and part of the natural order." Evidence of nicotine from wild relatives of tobacco was found, as well as vilca bean residue, which is a hallucinogen related to DMT. Researchers believed that the rituals were used to reinforce the authority of leaders and create a class structure. 'The supernatural world isn't necessarily friendly, but it's powerful,' Contreras, of the University of Florida, explained. Picture Credit: "These rituals, often enhanced by psychoactives, were compelling, transformative experiences that reinforced belief systems and social structures." Trumpets made from conch shells were also found at the site. And researchers think that the chambers were designed to "enhance" musical performances using these trumpets. "One of the ways that inequality was justified or naturalized was through ideology," Contreras said. 8 The Chavín people long predate the Incan Empire Credit: Wikipedia 8 Traces of drugs were found on the bone tools used by these ancient people Credit: Rick et al., PNAS, 2025 "Through the creation of impressive ceremonial experiences that made people believe this whole project was a good idea." Contreras added: "It's exciting that ongoing excavations can be combined with cutting-edge archaeological science techniques to get us closer to understanding what it was like to live at this site." This research was published in the journal PNAS.
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Inside 3,000-year-old ‘drug den' where humans used BONES to take hallucinogens in ‘terrifying' mystery ritual of visions
GAME OF BONES There may be a very surprising reason for the bizarre ritual A MYSTERIOUS ancient society was using hollowed-out bones to take drugs inside an "exclusive" psychedelics chamber. The long-abandoned drug den was where ancient Andeans would consume hallucinogens as part of strange "vision-seeing" rituals. 8 8 8 This "Chavín" society lived in the Andes two thousand years before the Inca empire. And scientists say these lesser-known people "access to altered states of consciousness" by taking psychedelics. Scientists say the drug-consuming bone tools are the earliest evidence of the use of "psychoactive plants" in the Peruvian Andes. The hollow bones were turned into ancient snuff tubes, and were found in stone chambers inside a prehistoric ritual site. It's called Chavín de Huántar, a ceremonial site high up in the mountains of Peru, at an elevation of around 10,000 feet. They would conduct "exclusive rituals" inside private chambers that could only hold a few people at a time. Researchers say this would've created an "air of mystique and control". "Taking psychoactives was not just about seeing visions," said archaeologist Daniel Contreras, who worked on the discovery. "It was part of a tightly controlled ritual, likely reserved for a select few, reinforcing the social hierarchy." These chambers were contained inside massive stone structures at the site – and were built around 3,000 years ago, before being sealed 500 years later. 'Once in a century' Pompeii discovery as ancient luxury SPA is saved from ashes with thermal baths & stunning mosaic And they would've had "profound, even terrifying" experiences after taking the drugs. "To those who inhaled, the supernatural might have felt like a force beyond comprehension," the University of Florida explained. "And that was precisely the point. "By controlling access to these altered states, Chavín's rulers established a potent ideology. 8 8 8 "And convinced their people that their leadership was intertwined with mystical power and part of the natural order." Evidence of nicotine from wild relatives of tobacco was found, as well as vilca bean residue, which is a hallucinogen related to DMT. Researchers believed that the rituals were used to reinforce the authority of leaders and create a class structure. 'The supernatural world isn't necessarily friendly, but it's powerful,' Contreras, of the University of Florida, explained. "These rituals, often enhanced by psychoactives, were compelling, transformative experiences that reinforced belief systems and social structures." Trumpets made from conch shells were also found at the site. And researchers think that the chambers were designed to "enhance" musical performances using these trumpets. "One of the ways that inequality was justified or naturalized was through ideology," Contreras said. 8 8 "Through the creation of impressive ceremonial experiences that made people believe this whole project was a good idea." science techniques to get us closer to understanding what it was like to live at this site." This research was published in the journal PNAS.
The Irish Sun
12-05-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Inside 3,000-year-old ‘drug den' where humans used BONES to take hallucinogens in ‘terrifying' mystery ritual of visions
A MYSTERIOUS ancient society was using hollowed-out bones to take drugs inside an "exclusive" psychedelics chamber. The long-abandoned drug den was where ancient Andeans would consume hallucinogens as part of strange "vision-seeing" rituals. Advertisement 8 Ancient chambers that could only hold a few people at a time were used for consuming hallucinogens Credit: Rick et al., PNAS, 2025 8 The chambers were an exclusive space where "terrifying" drug-fuelled vision-seeing rituals were held Credit: Daniel Contreras 8 Ancient Andeans would use carved hollowed-out bone tools to take drugs Credit: Daniel Contreras This "Chavín" society lived in the Andes two thousand years before the Inca empire. And scientists say these lesser-known people "access to altered states of consciousness" by taking psychedelics. Scientists say the drug-consuming bone tools are the earliest evidence of the use of "psychoactive plants" in the Peruvian Andes. The hollow bones were turned into ancient snuff tubes, and were found in stone chambers inside a prehistoric ritual site. Advertisement Read more on archaeology It's called Chavín de Huántar, a ceremonial site high up in the mountains of They would conduct "exclusive rituals" inside private chambers that could only hold a few people at a time. Researchers say this would've created an "air of mystique and control". "Taking psychoactives was not just about seeing visions," said Advertisement Most read in Science Exclusive "It was part of a tightly controlled ritual, likely reserved for a select few, reinforcing the social hierarchy." These chambers were contained inside massive stone structures at the site – and were built around 3,000 years ago, before being sealed 500 years later. 'Once in a century' Pompeii discovery as ancient luxury SPA is saved from ashes with thermal baths & stunning mosaic And they would've had "profound, even terrifying" experiences after taking the drugs. "To those who inhaled, the supernatural might have felt like a force beyond comprehension," the University of Florida explained. Advertisement "And that was precisely the point. "By controlling access to these altered states, Chavín's rulers established a potent ideology. 8 The chambers were tucked inside monument stone structures at Chavín de Huántar Credit: Daniel Contreras 8 The purpose of Chavín de Huántar and its rituals have long been a mystery Credit: Daniel Contreras Advertisement 8 The Chavín de Huántar archaeological site sits at an elevation of 10,000 feet Credit: Daniel Contreras "And convinced their people that their leadership was intertwined with mystical power and part of the natural order." Evidence of nicotine from wild relatives of tobacco was found, as well as vilca bean residue, which is a hallucinogen related to DMT. Researchers believed that the rituals were used to reinforce the authority of leaders and create a class structure. Advertisement 'The supernatural world isn't necessarily friendly, but it's powerful,' Contreras, of the University of Florida, explained. Picture Credit: "These rituals, often enhanced by psychoactives, were compelling, transformative experiences that reinforced belief systems and social structures." Trumpets made from conch shells were also found at the site. And researchers think that the chambers were designed to "enhance" musical performances using these trumpets. Advertisement "One of the ways that inequality was justified or naturalized was through ideology," Contreras said. 8 The Chavín people long predate the Incan Empire Credit: Wikipedia 8 Traces of drugs were found on the bone tools used by these ancient people Credit: Rick et al., PNAS, 2025 "Through the creation of impressive ceremonial experiences that made people believe this whole project was a good idea." Advertisement Contreras added: "It's exciting that ongoing excavations can be combined with cutting-edge archaeological science techniques to get us closer to understanding what it was like to live at this site." This research was published in the journal PNAS.
