Indonesian foragers may have sucked on mind-altering nuts 25,000 years ago, research finds
Researchers have discovered evidence suggesting that ancient foragers in Indonesia may have used psychoactive betel nuts as early as 25,000 years ago. Analysis of skeletal remains showed significant tooth wear consistent with the long-term chewing of these abrasive seeds.
Why it matters
This finding provides new insights into the deep history of human drug use and cultural practices related to psychoactive substances.
The researchers examined skeletal remains of two pre-agricultural foragers. Photograph: Pubu Alar_sulsel/ The researchers examined skeletal remains of two pre-agricultural foragers. Photograph: Pubu Alar_sulsel/ Science Indonesian foragers may have sucked on mind-altering nuts 25,000 years ago, research finds Analysis of two skeletons reveals tooth wear and traces of psychoactive substance in what may be earliest known evidence for human drug taking
Prefer the Guardian on Google What may be the earliest known evidence for human drug taking has been traced to ancient Indonesian foragers who sucked on mind-altering nuts as long as 25,000 years ago.
Analysis of two exceptionally rare skeletons from the Indonesian island of Sulawesi revealed dramatic tooth wear and traces of a psychoactive substance in the individuals’ remaining teeth, suggesting they routinely sucked on hard, abrasive betel nuts.
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