Archaeology of psychotropic substances: The problem of analytical detection of ayahuasca
Archaeometry – March 17, 2024
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Ancient ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic drink from the Amazon, may date back to at least 500 CE, as indicated by the presence of harmine and harmaline in Andean archaeological findings. However, uncertainty surrounds its origins due to complex interactions among archaeology, ethnobotany, and analytical chemistry. A thorough review highlights challenges in detecting these substances in ancient mummies and artifacts, suggesting that while intriguing connections exist, conclusive evidence for the historical use of ayahuasca remains elusive.
Abstract
Abstract The primary objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges involved in detecting ancient ayahuasca, a traditional hallucinogenic drink from the Amazon region, which is prepared using Banisteriopsis caapi liana and other plants, by utilizing advanced analytical techniques. The presence of harmine and harmaline in Andean archaeological findings has led certain authors to speculate that the Banisteriopsis liana may have been the source plant responsible for their occurrence. Consequently, the utilization of this liana can be traced back to at least 500 CE. However, a combination of archaeological, ethnobotanical, biochemical and analytical chemistry considerations has rendered uncertain the true origins of the presence of harmine and harmaline in ancient mummies and artifacts. Thus, the archaeological evidence does not convincingly prove the ancient usage of ayahuasca.