2,200-Year-Old Egyptian Vase Reveals Evidence of Hallucinogenic Rituals

Researchers have uncovered traces of a hallucinogenic beverage in a 2,200-year-old Egyptian vase depicting Bes, a dwarf deity related to childbirth and merriment. The findings, detailed in Scientific Reports on November 13, recommend the vessel was used throughout rituals to recreate a legendary story involving the calming of a sky goddess. The vase, held on the Tampa Museum of Art, was analysed utilizing superior chemical methods, together with historical DNA extraction and infrared spectroscopy.

Chemical Composition Indicates Ritual Use

Traces of untamed rue, Egyptian lotus, and Cleome plant have been detected within the vase, all identified for his or her psychotropic properties, as per a report by University of South Florida. Ingredients like sesame seeds, pine nuts, and grapes have been additionally found, which researchers imagine might have been used to imitate the looks of blood. Human bodily fluids, together with saliva and blood, have been recognized, hinting at ritualistic consumption or deliberate inclusion within the concoction. These findings level in direction of the usage of the drink in reenactments of the “Myth of the Solar Eye,” the place Bes pacifies the bloodthirsty goddess Hathor with a spiked, blood-like drink.

Potential Link to Oracular Practices

The vase may additionally have been linked to prophetic rituals. Researchers recommend the drink might have been consumed in practices associated to the cult of Bes, particularly within the Bes-Chambers at Saqqara, the place people sought dream-induced prophecies. According to Branko van Oppen, curator on the Tampa Museum of Art and co-author of the research, the mix of components might need been used throughout childbirth-related rituals to foretell being pregnant outcomes.

Provenance and Future Studies

The vase, acquired by the museum in 1984, got here from a non-public assortment however lacks exact archaeological context. The researchers imagine the evaluation gives vital insights into historical Egyptian mythological and ritual practices, probably shedding gentle on broader cultural beliefs surrounding childbirth and divination. Further research are anticipated to discover the importance of such rituals in Greco-Roman Egypt.