Ancient Mayan artefacts found covered in psychedelics by archaeologists

It was already known that the Mayans were tobacco users long before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in America, but new research proves that they also used a certain plant known for its psychotropic properties during ceremonies.

A state-of-the-art detection technique

Finding traces of nicotine in Mayan remains is hardly surprising. Indeed, within pre-Columbian societies, tobacco was already regularly consumed for medicinal or religious purposes. But according to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, the Mayans used to mix tobacco with other mind-altering plants.

To find out, a team of researchers analyzed fourteen 1,000-year-old containers using metabolomics analysis: a technique for detecting biological compounds. This science could ultimately ‘dramatically expand the detection of chemical compounds compared to previous biomarker-focused studies’.

Tagetes Lucida, or Mexican tarragon

The plant that scientists have managed to detect is marigold Lucida. In the results of their study, the researchers explained:

In Mexico and Guatemala, this annual herb is generally known for its role in funeral ceremonies, which appears to have pre-Columbian roots.

Known for its psychotropic properties, Mexican tarragon would thus have been used in association with tobacco to make its consumption more pleasant and to facilitate the transition to a daze during various ceremonies. this discovery was made in January 2021. Very excited about this discovery, Mario Zimmerman, the lead author of this study said:

The analytical methods developed in collaboration between the Department of Anthropology and the Institute of Biological Chemistry allow us to study drug use in the ancient world like never before.

This article is translated from Gentside FR.

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